Late August Don Trail Exploring

Over the past few days, I found out on Urban Toronto that the East Don Trail has made some more progress since the tunnel installation in late May, while Joric shared in the Cycling in Toronto Facebook group that the Lower Don Trail access at Don Mills Road has been made more accessible. Earlier today, I went on a 19-kilometre ride to check out both items.

An aerial shot of Bridge #2 on the East Don Trail (via TwinHuey on Urban Toronto)

Lower Don Trail Improvements

One thing that has long irritated Lower Don Trail users is the need to use a short flight of stairs to continue on the trail leading north to Don Mills Road. Now, a trail has been installed to the west of the existing stairs; addressing this significant accessibility obstacle.

The trail still ends at 701 Don Mills Road. However, the City of Toronto plans to extend this trail 150 metres north to the existing bike lanes on Gateway Boulevard and future cycle tracks on Overlea Boulevard when the bridge gets reconstructed. The question remains when this will be done.

A bunch of fencing is still lying around, but there is no shortage of seating between Don Mills Road and the West Don Trail.

Going back down on the new trail.

The area next to the stairs has some more benches added.

However, the intersection between the Lower Don and West Don trails is tight and could be a safety hazard. Hence the addition of a stop sign and mirror. Hope the City of Toronto looks into a long-term fix for this area.

Back to the East Don Trail

After returning to the East Don Trail, the Bridge #2 site doesn’t appear to have made much progress when arriving from the south.

However, crossing the temporary bridge reveals why the asphalt stopped just short of the bridge per the aerial shot in the beginning. A boardwalk is in the process of being installed with these large metal spans placed on top of buried poles.

A closer look at one of the spans.

The spans have these smaller narrow plates added which cyclists will ultimately ride on.

Finally some asphalt!

A stone seating area has been added just before the tunnel.

Despite the dirt, the asphalt goes all the way to the tunnel.

The short connection between the tunnel and Bridge #3 has been paved. Some poles added on both sides suggest some fencing could be added soon.

A look at the East Don River before turning back.

And here’s another look back towards the tunnel.

Back at Bridge #2. This angle gives a bit of a runway vibe!

A bunch of metal pieces waiting to be brought to that bridge.

Some fish themed plates could be found.

The construction office just north of Forks of the Don. The current gravel trail will be replaced with asphalt once the permanent bridge work has been completed and the temporary bridge removed. If you’re one of those looking to get in some gravel riding on this trail, you better do so soon while keeping in mind there could be some trail closures during the week.

Slowly, but surely, the East Don Trail is taking shape. Can’t wait to ride it when it’s all done! 😊