The Town of Whitby yesterday announced that the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will be replacing the Brock Street bridge over Highway 401. The project is underway and is expected to be complete by late 2020.
The bridge replacement is a key component of the Highway 401 improvements being made by the MTO, from west of Harwood Avenue to west of Stevenson Road, which include:
- Replacement of the Brock Street bridge and reconfiguration of the Brock Street Interchange ramps;
- Widening Highway 401 to include an auxiliary lane in each direction between Highway 412 and Brock Street;
- Adjustments to the local road network and extension of the local multi-use path system to and on the Brock Street bridge; and,
- Safety and operational improvements including Highway 401 pavement rehabilitation, improvements to shoulder and lane widths, replacement and extension of the noise wall west of Brock Street, extension of Highway 401 High Mast illumination.
The MTO has advised that the existing number of lanes on Brock Street and Highway 401 will be maintained during peak periods throughout the majority of the project. Two full closures (Saturday night to Sunday morning) of Highway 401 will be required to demolish the old Brock Street bridge in stages. The MTO will publish Notice of Demolition and Detour Routes in advance of the Highway 401 closures, said a town statement.
The MTO Commuter Parking Lot, northeast of the Whitby GO Station, will remain closed throughout the project. The GO Transit commuter parking lots will remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a Town of Whitby or Region of Durham project?
A: This entire project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
Q: How long will this project take to complete?
A: This project is expected to last three years. Construction will commence in June 2018 and finish by the end of 2020.
Q: Why was the Henry Street bridge replaced more quickly?
A: The Henry Street bridge was completely closed during its replacement; however, the Brock Street bridge will be replaced in stages, thus ensuring that the bridge remains open to traffic during construction. Staged construction increases the complexity and time of construction operations, but mitigates traffic disruptions.
Q: Will Brock Street be closed?
A: The existing number of lanes on Brock Street will be maintained during peak periods. Peak periods for Brock Street are defined as:
Weekday: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. (morning) and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (evening)
Weekend: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
At least one sidewalk will be maintained on the Brock Street bridge for the majority of the project.
Q: Will the Whitby GO Station be impacted?
A: Access to the Whitby GO Station will be maintained; however, the northeast Whitby GO parking lot (right next to the bridge) will be closed for the duration of the project. This will result in approximately 250 fewer parking spaces.
Q: What happened to the Highway of Heroes plaques?
A: The Highway of Heroes plaques at the Brock Street bridge will be refurbished and temporarily relocated to ensure they are not damaged. The plaques will be reinstalled once construction is complete.
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