Bowmanville Rail Bridge construction is underway on Green Road as Metrolinx begins a major stage of work supporting the long-awaited Bowmanville GO Extension.
The project involves building a new above-grade rail bridge beside the existing Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway bridge. The work area is located on Green Road, north of Aspen Springs Drive and south of Clarington Boulevard.
Construction began May 25, 2026, and is expected to continue until May 31, 2028, although Metrolinx says weather and unforeseen site conditions could affect the schedule. Regular work hours are expected to run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bridge work supports GO expansion
The bridge project is part of the first phase of construction for the Bowmanville GO Extension.
The extension will add approximately 18.7 kilometres of new rail infrastructure between Durham College Oshawa GO Station and the future Bowmanville GO Station. Metrolinx says the expansion is expected to provide more direct rail connections for residents in Clarington and eastern Durham Region.
The Green Road project includes excavations, shoring, foundation construction, bridge abutments, track-support work and relocation of a storm sewer.
The new structure will be built alongside the existing railway bridge rather than replacing all rail infrastructure at once. This phased approach allows construction crews to prepare the corridor for future GO train service while maintaining existing railway operations.
Lane restrictions expected on Green Road
Drivers should expect alternating single-lane restrictions on Green Road during construction hours.
Metrolinx says lanes will remain reduced for the duration of the work, but two-way traffic will continue through the area. Temporary traffic signals and signs will guide motorists around the active construction zones.
Temporary sidewalk closures or pedestrian detours may also be required. Directional signs will be installed when routes change.
No direct impact to existing transit service is anticipated, although local buses and other vehicles could experience delays caused by reduced road capacity.
Motorists travelling through the area should allow additional time, reduce speed and remain alert for workers, trucks and equipment entering or leaving the construction site.
Noise, dust and vibration possible
Homes and businesses near the Bowmanville Rail Bridge work area may experience construction noise, vibration and dust.
Metrolinx says crews will use monitoring equipment to identify excessive noise or vibration and take corrective action where required. Dust-control measures will also be used during excavation and other construction activities.
Construction vehicles will enter and leave the site from Green Road, increasing truck traffic near Aspen Springs Drive and Clarington Boulevard.
The work schedule could change when severe weather, underground conditions or other unexpected issues interfere with planned activities.
Major milestone for Clarington transit
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster previously described the bridge construction as a significant step toward bringing GO train service into the municipality.
Preliminary work in the area included clearing vegetation and preparing the site before major bridge construction began. The municipality has warned residents that the multi-year project will involve periodic traffic disruptions and lane closures.
Once completed, the broader Bowmanville Extension is expected to offer half-hourly service during peak periods, hourly off-peak service and service every two hours on weekends. Metrolinx estimates the extension could serve approximately 17,000 daily riders by 2041.
The current Bowmanville Rail Bridge project represents one of several bridge, track and utility upgrades required before passenger rail service can begin.
Residents can follow construction notices through Metrolinx and contact its Durham Region community-engagement team with questions about traffic, noise or access concerns.
