As part of the Bowmanville Extension project, Metrolinx will be replacing the Simcoe Street bridge located over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City track.
This work will require a full road closure of Simcoe Street between Avenue and Albany streets beginning as early as January 12, said a Metrolinx statement.
It said this road closure will be in effect for approximately two years.
Work will be between Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm.
Traffic will be detoured via Stevenson Road, and GO bus routes 52, 56, and 92 will also be detoured. Pedestrians will be detoured via the Michael Starr Trail.
“We recognize this is a significant disruption and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We are working closely with Durham Region and the City of Oshawa to ensure traffic flow is managed effectively around the site. Throughout the closure, Metrolinx will monitor traffic conditions and adjust traffic mitigation measures as needed,” the statement said.
The closure come in addition to the works on the widening of Highway 401 in Oshawa to 10 lanes (see below).
This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and crews as they work on multiple associated construction activities, Metrolinx said.
The Bowmanville Extension
The Bowmanville Extension will extend Lakeshore East GO rail service nearly 20-kilometres east of the Durham College Oshawa GO Station to Bowmanville, serving the Region of Durham. Expanded rail service will provide Durham Region with direct connections to the larger GO Transit network, helping to reduce congestion in the region while better connecting customers to education, family, entertainment, and jobs.
Metrolinx has begun early works, and as part of this project, Metrolinx will be replacing the Simcoe Street Bridge located over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) track.
The new bridge must be built higher, longer, and wider to meet modern design standards and to allow for additional track underneath. To do this, new supports need to be placed in different locations, which means the old bridge cannot stay in place during construction.
This work will require a full road closure of Simcoe Street between Avenue and Albany streets, either side of the CPKC track (see map below), beginning as early as January 12.
Works include the demolition and removal of the existing bridge structure, installation of new foundations and piling to support the replacement bridge, and associated roadworks and utilities.
What To Expect
- Work will be carried out in stages, including:
- Utility protection and relocation of existing utilities.
- Demolition and removal of the existing bridge structure in a controlled sequence.
- Foundation work to support the new bridge.
- Construction of new bridge sub-structures and elements.
- Finishing works including paving, line painting, and final landscaping.
New construction activities and major blocks of work will be communicated to residents and businesses as work progresses through the project, as well as associated timelines, impacts, and mitigation measures.
Residents and businesses near the work zone may hear noise caused by trucks, heavy equipment and material delivery and other construction equipment required for this work. Work will be conducted as efficiently as possible to minimize disturbances in the area.
Lights will be directed into the work site to minimize light pollution into nearby buildings and businesses.
Vibration monitors will be used as needed to ensure levels stay below allowable limits.
Upcoming drop-in sessions
Metrolinx has organized multiple community events to answer questions and we’re going door-to-door to connect with nearby residents and businesses ahead of the closure. “More events will be planned for early 2026, stay tuned for more details,” it said.
Oshawa Public Library drop-in session #1
Location: Oshawa Public Library McLaughlin branch
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time: 11 am to 1 pm.
Durham College Oshawa GO drop-in session
Location: DC Oshawa GO Station
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 6 am to 8 am.
Oshawa Public Library drop-in session #2
Location Oshawa Public Library John Aker Northview branch
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm.
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