The City of Toronto is launching a new effort to redesign one of its most notoriously traffic-plagued intersections and is seeking community input through online surveys and public drop-in meetings.
Background on the Intersection
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians have long complained about the chaotic conditions at the Eglinton Avenue West and Allen Road intersection. The problems intensified after Metrolinx completed a major redesign three years ago, following the delayed opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line.
In a social media post on Monday, the City of Toronto urged residents and commuters to provide feedback via an online survey, an interactive map on its website, and two drop-in sessions. The city stated that the goal is to reduce traffic congestion at the intersection and in nearby neighborhoods, as well as to improve how people move through the area.
Proposed Solutions
In an overview of the study published ahead of the public consultations, the city acknowledged that traffic demand exceeds the capacity of the intersection, particularly at the Allen Road on-ramp. Drivers during peak hours regularly experience long delays, and neighborhood streets become congested as drivers seek shortcuts to Allen Road.
Options under consideration include constructing a pedestrian tunnel or bridge and expanding the northbound Allen on-ramp. The intersection received a major overhaul after Metrolinx reopened it in May 2023, featuring alternating dual eastbound left-turn lanes, dual westbound right-turn lanes, and pedestrian crosswalks on the north and east sides. Since then, the city has made several adjustments, including signal timing changes, but these have not resolved the traffic issues.
Public Reaction
While the city asked residents to leave comments on an interactive map, many responded directly to the city's Facebook post. One person wrote, "Wasn't as bad until they started tinkering with changes. All that money and they only made it worse. City planners and councillors who approve these things, much like the turning lanes and designated TTC lanes, have only worsened the problems."
Another comment referenced the history of the Allen Road, noting, "Oh dear, I guess stopping a needed and necessary expressway in the middle of a neighbourhood has consequences." This refers to the city's initial construction of Allen as part of the Spadina expressway to connect north Toronto to downtown, a project that was cancelled in 1971.
Others blamed bike lanes in the area for adding to the traffic chaos in the neighborhood.
Upcoming Consultations
According to the city's website, the first of two public consultations on redesigning the intersection was held last Saturday. A second session is scheduled for Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. The public can also leave comments online by visiting the city's consultation page.
The city encourages all stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of this critical junction.
