New Durham Road Restrictions are coming to Oshawa and Clarington, with drivers facing temporary closures in Bowmanville and several months of lane restrictions on Harmony Road North.
Durham Region says the two projects involve separate infrastructure improvements, with construction expected to affect motorists from late August into November.
Drivers are being advised to follow posted signs, allow extra travel time and use caution around construction workers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Bowmanville Avenue closing for two weekends
In Clarington, Bowmanville Avenue, also known as Regional Road 57, will temporarily close between Waverly Road and Aspen Springs Drive.
The closure is required to accommodate construction of a pedestrian tunnel crossing Bowmanville Avenue.
The first weekend closure is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Aug. 21 and continue until 6 a.m. on Aug. 24.
A second closure is scheduled from 7 a.m. on Aug. 28 until 6 a.m. on Aug. 31.
Weather conditions could cause changes to the construction schedule.
Emergency access will continue to be maintained during the closures, and Durham Region says detour routes will be posted before work begins.
Bowmanville businesses remain open
Businesses around the construction area are expected to remain open while the work takes place.
Drivers travelling through Bowmanville during either closure weekend should expect additional traffic on surrounding streets as vehicles use the posted detours.
The Region is asking motorists to reduce speeds near construction areas and remain alert for pedestrians, cyclists and workers.
The pedestrian tunnel work forms part of broader construction activity along Bowmanville Avenue. Durham Region previously announced temporary pedestrian tunnel-related construction in the corridor earlier this summer.
Harmony Road restrictions continue through November
The second set of Durham Road Restrictions will affect Harmony Road North at Britannia Avenue East in Oshawa.
Northbound and southbound lane restrictions are scheduled along Harmony Road North, extending approximately 650 metres south and 650 metres north of Britannia Avenue East.
The restrictions are scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and continue through Nov. 20.
Unlike the Bowmanville closures, which are limited to specific weekends, the Oshawa restrictions are expected to remain in effect both day and night during the construction period.
Weather could also affect this schedule.
Intersection improvements support development
Durham Region says the Harmony Road work involves intersection improvements being completed in support of new development.
Harmony Road is Regional Road 33 and serves as a major north-south transportation corridor through Oshawa.
The Region has also been planning broader improvements along Harmony Road north of Conlin Road toward Britannia Avenue as development continues in north Oshawa.
Drivers should therefore prepare for reduced road capacity and possible delays around the Britannia Avenue intersection.
Drivers urged to plan ahead
The new Durham Road Restrictions will affect two busy transportation corridors at roughly the same time.
Bowmanville motorists will face two full weekend closures in late August, while Oshawa drivers could encounter lane restrictions on Harmony Road for nearly three months.
Motorists should watch for posted detours and temporary traffic controls and consider alternate routes during busy periods.
Construction schedules may change because of weather or unforeseen site conditions, so residents should monitor Durham Region road notices for the latest information before travelling through either work zone.
