and short distance travellers were continuously able to get to their destinations as planned, which helped to avoid an increase in the use of personal vehicles. A lasting environmental impact after construction is the improved access to the Lake Ontario waterfront within the City of Toronto. The original rail corridor was a major physical barrier between the downtown and the lakefront where continuous residential, recreational and business developments are occurring. The tunnel reduces the length of vehicular travel time and associated carbon emissions, and the new ease of access promotes carbon-free travel, i.e., bicycling and walking. Former Mayor of Toronto, David Miller was quoted saying “The Simcoe Street underpass will improve downtown traffic flow and help provide important services to future development on the lands south of Union Station. But most importantly, the project will improve access to our waterfront for all Torontonians." However, according to the city report published in 2014, the underpass was flooded 5 times between 2010 and 2013. See also Toronto Waterfront References Geography of Toronto Buildings and structures in Toronto Transport in Toronto Road tunnels in Ontario