Mayor Rob Ford, Councillor Gary Crawford and Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong
Mayor Rob Ford used Birch Cliff as a backdrop today to announce a $155 million dollar program to repair Toronto roads and bridges in 2013 and another $60 million for projects such as Kingston Road, where the construction includes replacing watermains and sewers.
Flanked by Ward 36 Councillor Gary Crawford and Public Works Chair Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ford said the money is part of a ten-year capital investment of $2.9 billion to keep Toronto moving
As they stood next to the construction mess on Kingston Road, Mayor Ford alluded to the fact that Birch Cliff’s main artery was long overdue for reconstruction.
“I know, Gary, this project has been a long time coming. I want to thank you for your patience and your dedication and your hard work to get this project off the ground. I’m very pleased to see the work that has started, said Ford.”
Kingston Road to cost $11.2 million
The total cost of the 18-month reconstruction of Kingston Road, from Birchmount to Victoria Park, has been pegged at $11.2 million by Senior Engineer Thomas Yeung.
When it’s done, Birch Cliff will have a new road, sidewalks, watermain, sanitary and storm sewers (close to VP) as well as improved streetscaping.
Kingston Road reconstruction at Harding Blvd.
Councillor Minnan-Wong said they’re trying to keep disruptions to a minimum by coordinating construction with other agencies like Toronto Water.
“There’s nothing more frustrating for the public than when after road work is done on a street in your neighbourhood, another crew comes along a short time later and digs it out again, said Minnan-Wong.”
Traffic complaints
It’s not going to be easy though. In addition to navigating a construction zone every time they leave the house, Birch Cliff residents are coping with motorists who are speeding on the side streets to avoid backing up on Kingston Road.
Councillor Crawford says his office has received several complaints, particularly from Queensbury Avenue, at the westernmost point of construction, where impatient drivers are taking a shortcut to get to Clonmore.
Kingston Road and Warden, looking west
“I’m going to be speaking to Transportation, understanding that there is going to be some inconvenience, we may have to look at the speeds, have the police come down and monitor the speeds, if we have to do tickets,” said Crawford.
Crawford added that he usually drives Kingston Road himself and has changed his driving habits so he no longer uses the side streets.
Mayor Ford talks with construction works on Kingston Road
Mayor Ford had similar advice for motorists based on his own experience.
“Stay away from it,” said Ford. “It might take me maybe five or 10 minutes longer to get from Point A to Point B, but I’d rather take a longer route than be stuck in traffic.”
