Months-long DVP ramp closure that contributed to gridlock set to end ahead of schedule

Chief Engineer Jennifer Graham Harkness gives an update on the Richmond St. ramp on the southbound DVP, which is expected to reopen tomorrow morning.

A ramp from the southbound Don Valley Parkway to Richmond Street is set to reopen Friday morning after a months-long closure that contributed to gridlock in the area.

The ramp has been closed since October 2025 for critical repairs, including structural strengthening work.

City officials made the announcement Thursday afternoon and say the early reopening allows this phase of construction to wrap up before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Officials say that the reopening of the ramp will also help the city avoid the need for permanent lane closures on Eastern Avenue during the tournament.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Engineer Jennifer Graham Harkness says drivers will notice the upgrades immediately.

“What they’ll see is fresh pavement, fresh rails,” she said.

The city says the quick timeline was achieved by extending work hours, adding crews, continuing construction through the winter months and coordinating traffic staging across the area.

Harkness noted there will still be some overnight impacts tonight as crews work to finish the job.

“There will be a lane reduction on the DVP when the traffic volumes are less (to allow crews to finish),” she said.