Resentment over the two-year closure of Simcoe Street bridge, seems not to have died down, with the ward councillor of the affected area calling stoppage of works on weekends as “foolhardy in the extreme”.
There has been public outcry over the two-year long closure. People have called for speedier works and alternatives to closure, but Metrolinx has been unmoved (see below).
Now the fact no works are carried out on weekends at site is coming in for renewed criticism.
“They need to understand that their decision to only work Monday-Friday… on this project is foolhardy in the extreme,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson, Ward 5 Oshawa and Durham Council.
“Work around the clock and finish this rebuild in six months – not two years or more. Ending the traffic chaos is the best decision to aid area residents and motorists. Give us our main street back!” said Nicholson.
Project Details
As part of the Bowmanville Extension project, Metrolinx is replacing the Simcoe Street bridge located over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City track. The bridge was closed in January.
Metrolinx claims that this work will require a full road closure of Simcoe Street between Avenue and Albany streets.
It said this road closure will be in effect for approximately two years, adding that work will be carried out 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, it said.