Just when you thought Toronto's traffic situation couldn't get worse, the City of Toronto has announced that the Gardiner Expressway will be shutting down for almost an entire weekend.

The closure will take place for 35 hours straight during a weekend later this month. It all begins next Friday Sept. 20 at 11 p.m. and the already congested highway won't reopen until Sunday Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

The Gardiner is closing for what the City says will be maintenance, cleaning and inspections to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the expressway.

Among the work that will be completed includes:

• Resurfacing of the lanes
• Repairs to crack and potholes
• Maintenance and replacement of 1.4 km of guiderail
• Controlled chipping to remove potentially loose concrete from the sides and underside of the Gardiner
• Inspection, repair and replacement of signage and lighting
• Cleaning catch basins to prevent flooding
• Removal of debris, weeds, litter and graffiti
• Repairs on the Dufferin Street Bridge

In addition to the closure of the Gardiner Expressway, the City will also be shutting down the York on-ramp for the entire weekend.

Needless to say, driving east or west across downtown Toronto that weekend will likely be a nightmare and should be avoided.

Construction continues on most other east and west streets in Toronto including Eastern Avenue, Lake Shore Boulevard, Richmond St., Adelaide St., Queen St. and pretty much every other road that would normally be an alternate.

Don't say we didn't warn you!