When a major traffic artery is used by thousands of motorists every day…. both on it and under it, there’s no question there’s plenty of concern… even fear, when large chunks of it come falling down. 

According to a recent Forum Research Poll, half of Toronto residents think the elevated portion of the Gardiner Expressway is unsafe.  Only 30 percent think it’s okay.   The rest aren’t sure.

The survey was done over the phone on Friday, not long after reports suggesting the highway was in worse shape than previously thought. 

In the spring, chunks of concrete began falling to Lakeshore Boulevard below the Gardiner.  A small piece fell on Friday.  

Repairing it would require over half-a-billion dollars in capital funding according to city engineers.  It would mean stripping the elevated portion right down to its bare steel girders, and of course, playing havoc with commuters.