Two water main breaks flood Gardiner lanes as city crews contain damage

Traffic on the Gardiner Expressway remains slow and partially restricted after two separate water main breaks sent water flowing across both eastbound and westbound lanes near Grand Avenue early Monday.

Toronto police first reported the flooding around 4:14 a.m., warning drivers of reduced lanes, slow‑moving traffic and the need to take alternate routes.

On-site crews told 680 NewsRadio that there are two distinct water main breaks responsible for the flooding, located on the westbound Gardiner, just off the right shoulder at Grand Avenue. The second break is located in the middle of the expressway, between the eastbound and westbound lanes.

In a statement on Monday, the City of Toronto said crews “became aware of a watermain break earlier this morning on the Gardiner Expressway at Grand Avenue.” Workers attended the scene shortly afterward, isolated the break, and confirmed that flooding had stopped.

A storage facility in the area was affected, and the property owner has been notified.

“Contractors are on site managing traffic and locating underground utilities while repairs continue,” the city said. “Toronto Police, Fire and Transportation Services were on site earlier to divert traffic while flooding impacted roadway lanes in the area. The Gardiner Expressway at Grand Avenue remains affected as crews continue to assess the required repairs.”

The city says further investigation will determine the cause of the break and establish a repair timeline.

“The City thanks the public for their patience as crews work to address the situation as quickly and safely as possible,” the statement said.

Drivers are being urged to use caution in the area, as roads are icy due to freezing temperatures.