What to know
- Road closures are in effect around Toronto Stadium and Exhibition Place ahead of Portugal vs Croatia on Thursday evening.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature in the match, which kicks off at 7 p.m.
- Major routes including Lake Shore Boulevard West, Strachan Avenue and areas of Liberty Village are impacted.
- Fan marches and TTC diversions will add further delays across downtown Toronto.
Soccer fans heading to Toronto Stadium for Portugal’s FIFA World Cup match against Croatia should plan ahead, as several roads around the stadium will be closed throughout Thursday.
The highly anticipated Round of 32 matchup, featuring Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, kicks off at 7 p.m., but road closures and traffic restrictions began as early as the afternoon.
The City of Toronto has advised motorists and transit riders to expect significant delays and to allow extra travel time.
Road closures and restrictions
The following road closures and traffic restrictions are in effect on Thursday, July 2:
Local access only – Liberty Village
2 p.m. to midnight
Local access only for residents and businesses south of King Street between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, as well as Ordinance Street east of Strachan Avenue.
Road closures – Strachan Avenue and Exhibition Place
2 p.m. to midnight
Strachan Avenue is closed in both directions from East Liberty Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West. All roads within Exhibition Place are closed.
Road closure – Lake Shore Boulevard West
2 p.m. to midnight
Lake Shore Boulevard West is closed from Bathurst Street to British Columbia Road.
Motorists may be temporarily diverted north at Colborne Lodge Drive, Parkside Drive, Lower Simcoe Street and Rees Street to help ease congestion.
Expected temporary closure – Lake Shore Boulevard West
Approximately 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Lake Shore Boulevard West from British Columbia Road to Jameson Avenue is expected to close temporarily.
Eastbound traffic will be diverted onto the eastbound Gardiner Expressway on-ramp at Jameson Avenue. Drivers are encouraged to use the Gardiner Expressway or alternate routes such as King Street or Queen Street to avoid delays.
Local access only – Fort York
12:30 p.m. to midnight
Local access only for residents and businesses in the Fort York neighbourhood between Bathurst Street and Strachan Avenue, and Fleet Street to Fort York Boulevard.
Fan marches to impact roads and TTC service
Thousands of supporters are also expected to take part in fan marches before kickoff, creating additional traffic disruptions around the city.
Portugal supporters will begin their march at 3:30 p.m. from Stanley Park, while Croatia fans will depart from Croatia House at 5 p.m.
The TTC says the fan marches will also affect transit service. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the 63 Ossington, 504 King, 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst routes will divert around the area.
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time throughout the afternoon and evening.
