Gardiner Expressway at risk of ‘punch through’ from heavy truck: report

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TORONTO, Ont. — A Global News investigation has revealed that if Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway gets much thinner, a heavily loaded truck could “punch through” the deck – meaning a top-to-bottom hole could be created.

Among the findings of the investigation, reported on by the National Post, is the revelation that the roadway is only 185 mm thick versus the 225 mm thickness of new viaducts, and that concrete beneath the asphalt in certain sections of the expressway is so deteriorated, it could be removed by hand.

The Post noted that while a “punch through” hole would likely not be large enough for vehicles to fall through, it would create “substantial” debris and have potential to cause traffic havoc.

The report also revealed the existence of several chunks of concrete on the verge of becoming loose, causing risk to traffic below.

Revelations on the Gardiner’s advanced state of disrepair comes less than a week after the National Post obtained a chart showing that the city spent less money than was budgeted for Gardiner repairs every year since 2006, in one instance recording a $17-million difference.

City politicians are currently deciding whether to approve a 10-year, $505-million repair plan focused primarily on the structural portion of the Gardiner where vehicles drive, according to the Post.

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