Bayview Avenue Construction Causes Major Detours for Bridle Path Residents
Ongoing roadwork has rerouted traffic and frustrated drivers, with some reporting commute times doubling during peak hours.
May 24, 2025 at 08:12 • By Daniel Ko, Bridle Watch
Bayview Avenue, one of the main arteries serving Bridle Path, has become a bottleneck of frustration for residents this month as roadwork continues to snarl traffic. The City of Toronto is undertaking a major infrastructure upgrade that includes resurfacing, water main replacement, and smart traffic light installation. While the improvements promise long-term benefits, the short-term inconvenience has been significant.
Since the beginning of the month, commuters have reported delays of up to 45 minutes during peak morning hours. Some residents say they’ve missed appointments or been late to school drop-offs due to unannounced detours and irregular lane closures. “There’s no real communication,” said Bridle Path resident Eleanor Cheung. “Some days the whole street is torn up. Other days, it’s just cones with no crew in sight.”
City officials acknowledge the frustration but say the work is necessary and largely on schedule. “We’re updating infrastructure that’s nearly 70 years old in some stretches,” said project engineer Aiden Myles. “Unfortunately, you can’t do this kind of work invisibly. We’re doing everything we can to minimize impact.”
Detour routes have been established, directing drivers through Lawrence Avenue and Post Road, but residents of those streets now report increased traffic and unsafe speeding. Local councillor Rebecca Tran has asked for additional signage and police presence to control the ripple effect. “You can’t push thousands of cars into residential zones and hope it sorts itself out,” she said.
Some businesses along Bayview Avenue are feeling the strain. A café near Park Lane Circle reports a 35% drop in foot traffic since the roadwork began. “Customers can’t find parking and don’t want to deal with the hassle,” said owner Tomás Rodríguez. He’s now offering delivery incentives to keep regulars engaged.
Construction noise has also become a nuisance. Residents living near the work zone report early-morning jackhammering, idling trucks, and dust clouds that settle on front lawns. City bylaws limit noise after 7 a.m., but many say enforcement is lax. “It’s hard to meditate with a backhoe outside your breakfast nook,” joked one homeowner.
Despite the chaos, some are taking it in stride. One group of neighbours created a ‘Detour Dance’ playlist on Spotify and take evening walks to the beat of construction rhythms. Others are using the opportunity to advocate for long-term transit alternatives, such as improved shuttle service or protected bike lanes.
The Bayview construction is slated to continue through the end of next month. City officials say they’ll reassess progress weekly and may adjust timelines if weather or traffic conditions worsen. Until then, patience — and perhaps a good podcast — remain the best travel companions for Bridle Path commuters.