Skip to main content
Cars and trucks in traffic

Gardiner Gridlock: Geotab Reveals Double Travel Times, Double the Business Strain

Published on June 9, 2025


Challenges continue with less productivity, driver stress

Cars and trucks in traffic

Oakville, ON (June 9, 2025) – New analysis of traffic patterns on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway reveals a harsh reality for commuters and commercial fleets alike: ongoing construction is effectively doubling travel times in key areas, creating slower commutes and fleet delivery interruptions, which is hitting businesses where it hurts the most: their bottom line. 

This year, we found the most congested sections of the Gardiner experienced a delay of about 230%, while travelling the whole segment of the Gardiner between Highway 427 and Cherry St. generally takes twice as long as before construction started.

 

Traffic Study Key Findings:

Data from Altitude by Geotab paints a picture of the continuing congestion since the latest construction phase began on April 16, 2025. This ongoing disruption translates into tangible costs, particularly for businesses including:

  • Double the Delay: Commuters who travel along the entire length of the Gardiner during the AM Rush Hour can expect double the travel time, since the latest construction phase commenced reducing lanes along Park Lawn Road. 
  • Business Interruptions: The inability of commercial fleets and businesses to effectively meet daily scheduling demands as their drivers are spending more time stuck in traffic. 
  • Work-related Stress: In a recent Geotab safety survey of fleet professionals, 68% of respondents reported that work-related stress negatively impacts their driving and 34% considered leaving their job in the past year. 
  • Productivity Loss: Added pressure to the regional congestion problem which is already costing billions annually in lost productivity and economic activity (Source: Toronto Region Board of Trade cite figures exceeding $44 billion).

"The data clearly shows the significant strain of the Gardiner Expressway construction on daily commutes and business in the Greater Toronto Area," said Mike Branch, VP, Data and Analytics, Geotab. "This is particularly impactful for commercial fleets who have no choice but to use this key expressway to conduct business. They carry goods and equipment or are responding to service calls that can’t be transferred to transit. For a fleet driver, the doubling of travel times can represent lost productivity, fewer deliveries, longer hours and more stress.”

traffic map during AM rush

The map above shows increased eastbound travel times on the Gardiner Expressway towards downtown Toronto during the 7:30-8:30 a.m. rush hour, comparing early 2024 (pre-construction) with conditions after new construction began in 2025. The most significant delays are observed between Colborne Lodge Drive and just past Jameson Avenue.

 

“The traffic patterns in large cities like Toronto impact the entire region,” added Branch. “Construction alone is one factor that can affect traffic flow. When you add a large sporting event, concert or other community event, you have a picture of where the bottlenecks will be. With the roadwork expected to continue next year, drivers should plan for significant delays along their commutes..”

 

Altitude by Geotab insights help cities and regions understand the impact of long-term events like construction and make informed planning decisions that promote safer, smoother traffic flows.

 

For more information about the Gardiner Traffic Study,  please visit: https://altitude.geotab.com/news-and-releases/gardiner-expressway-follow-up-report/

 

About Altitude by Geotab

Altitude by Geotab is a leading provider of advanced mobility insights and solutions for public and commercial sectors in North America. Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, the company leverages its expertise in data analytics to help decision-makers gain a comprehensive understanding of road network movements. By delivering reliable and contextualized insights, our Altitude platform enables improved planning capabilities and better financial outcomes, while maintaining data confidentiality and privacy. Our solutions drive safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility throughout North America. Learn more at altitude.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn.


Media Contact

Nicole Riddle

Senior Specialist, Strategic Communications

pr@geotab.com

About Geotab

Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, empowering fleet efficiency and management. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance, safety, and sustainability, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve over 55,000 global customers, processing 80 billion data points daily from more than 4.7 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organizations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal Government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorizations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we're celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views.

Related posts

Safety inspection

“Who are my safest drivers?”: Fleet managers turn to AI for safety insights

Geotab reveals the most common prompts submitted to its GenAI assistant, Geotab Ace - with safety the clear priority

June 3, 2025

Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum award logo on dark blue background

Geotab Celebrates 8th Win of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in its 25th Year

Award recognizes investment in innovation, financial resilience, strong corporate governance and people-centric culture.

May 28, 2025

bridge crossing

Altitude by Geotab launches Freight Tracker for Cross-Border and Port Movement

Altitude platform delivers weekly commercial traffic data for logistics and fleet operators

May 15, 2025

Recent News

Cars and trucks in traffic

Gardiner Gridlock: Geotab Reveals Double Travel Times, Double the Business Strain

Challenges continue with less productivity, driver stress

June 9, 2025

Safety inspection

“Who are my safest drivers?”: Fleet managers turn to AI for safety insights

Geotab reveals the most common prompts submitted to its GenAI assistant, Geotab Ace - with safety the clear priority

June 3, 2025

Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum award logo on dark blue background

Geotab Celebrates 8th Win of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in its 25th Year

Award recognizes investment in innovation, financial resilience, strong corporate governance and people-centric culture.

May 28, 2025

bridge crossing

Altitude by Geotab launches Freight Tracker for Cross-Border and Port Movement

Altitude platform delivers weekly commercial traffic data for logistics and fleet operators

May 15, 2025

View last rendered: 06/09/2025 12:48:45