Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
(OP)
Some weeks ago when the third piece of concrete fell from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, I was thiking of writing to the newspaper and suggesting that someone is not doing their job if it has gor to this stage. I would have thought that after the 1st piece fell, a survey of the whole expressway soffit would have been undertaken as soon as possible without delay, given the known chloride contamination of the concrete and its history. When the 2nd piece fell a few weeks later, that was surely confirmation that such a survey was urgent. When the 3rd piece fell surly it was apparent that this probelm was a danger to the public and was ongoing. Now a 4th piece has fallen.
I must ask: how was the maintenance allowed to be so negelected as to reach this stage and why was the reponse so slow? Am I being unfair or do others see it the same way? Just interested. Public safety is at stake. How many more pieces will fall until someone is injured? I guess Toronto city council prefers to deal with banning plastic bags than with public safety.
I must ask: how was the maintenance allowed to be so negelected as to reach this stage and why was the reponse so slow? Am I being unfair or do others see it the same way? Just interested. Public safety is at stake. How many more pieces will fall until someone is injured? I guess Toronto city council prefers to deal with banning plastic bags than with public safety.






RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
Be careful with how you report this. Our ethical obligation goes both ways. If we act without finding out all the facts, we could create a negative situation when this may already be in the process of being resolved. I believe our obligation is to approach the Public Works department to find out what is being done first. If a satisfactory answer is not provided, then perhaps take it another step (i.e. City manager or City council). If you still don't get a response, then escalate.
A case study for an engineer opening their mouth without know the facts was on 9-11. Certain engineers rushed in front of the cameras claiming design flaws... They were wrong, but the damage was done. Much of the public believes those claims to this date. Once the Jennie is out of the bottle, you can't get it back in.
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
I would call the local Department of Transportation Division and kindly inform them of the situation and ask them if they are aware of the situation. That way, you will have done your job and you will find out if they plan on taking any action. I had a similar situation and that is how I handled it and they were greatful that I informed them and I saw results within a couple of day.
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
And the deteriorating condition of the Gardiner is well known. As ajk1 said, the city knows about it and every now and then you have talk about what to do with the Gardiner. Toronto needs federal dollars to repair and/or replace the Gardiner and it's not getting any from Ottawa.
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
I do not understand:
a) how it was allowed to get to this state;
b) why the City was so slow in responding to the situation whe the first piece of concrete fell;
c) how it can be deemed safe below if pieces of concrete are falling off
I realize that the Gardiner may someday be replaced, but it isn't going to happen soon and in the meantime public safety must come first. But I read in the paper yesterday that the politicians say they are not going to embark on the extebnsive repair programme that is required because they do not have the money. Somehow they have the money for other less important things.
Maybe this can serve as a lesson for other municipalities and governments. You either pay a little money now to keep things in repair and protected, or you spend a lot more later.
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
BA
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto
RE: Chunks of Concrete Falling from the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto