Drivers travelling through Bowmanville should prepare for lane restrictions throughout September as Durham Region carries out road rehabilitation and paving along Bowmanville Avenue and nearby roads.
The Bowmanville Avenue roadwork began Aug. 31 and is expected to continue through Sept. 30, although weather conditions could affect the construction schedule.
The project involves sections of Bowmanville Avenue, also known as Regional Road 57, as well as the area around Durham Regional Highway 2 and Stevens Road.
Where Bowmanville lane restrictions are in place
Durham Region has identified two sections where motorists should expect lane restrictions.
The first extends from the intersection of Bowmanville Avenue and Regional Highway 2 to approximately 200 metres north of Stevens Road.
A second work area begins approximately 400 metres north of Stevens Road and continues to about 300 metres north of Nash Road.
Drivers travelling along this north-south corridor should expect construction activity and possible delays while crews are working.
The restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect until Sept. 30.
Road rehabilitation and paving underway
Durham Region says the restrictions are required so crews can safely complete road rehabilitation and paving.
The work is intended to maintain and improve the roadway rather than support a temporary event or short-term utility installation.
The Region has not announced a complete closure of Bowmanville Avenue as part of this project.
Instead, motorists should expect lane restrictions through the affected construction areas.
That distinction is important for drivers planning September trips through Bowmanville, since the corridor remains accessible while work is underway.
Drivers asked to use caution
Durham Region is asking motorists to slow down and exercise additional caution when passing through the construction zones.
Work crews may be operating close to active traffic, while pedestrians and cyclists could also be travelling through or near the affected sections.
Drivers should watch for temporary signage, changing lane configurations and instructions from construction personnel.
Travel times could also vary depending on the type of work being completed at a particular point in the project.
Unfavourable weather could delay paving or other work and extend the schedule beyond the dates currently anticipated.
Multiple Bowmanville road projects underway
The month-long Bowmanville Avenue restrictions come as another road project affects Liberty Street North in Bowmanville.
Separate northbound and southbound restrictions on Liberty Street North between Wellington Street and Carlisle Avenue are scheduled from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4.
That project involves installation of water and sanitary services to support new development and is separate from the paving and rehabilitation taking place on Bowmanville Avenue.
Drivers travelling through Bowmanville during the first week of September may therefore encounter construction on more than one major route.
Restrictions expected through end of September
The Bowmanville Avenue roadwork is currently scheduled to continue through Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Residents travelling between Highway 2, Stevens Road and the area approaching Nash Road should allow additional travel time and remain alert for changing construction conditions.
Durham Region provides current road and traffic information through its Traffic Watch service, which motorists can check before travelling.
Unless the schedule changes because of weather or construction conditions, the lane restrictions are expected to remain part of the Bowmanville commute throughout September.
