Drivers using Brock Road and Highway 401 in Pickering should prepare for significant delays as a long-term ramp closure continues and additional weekend lane restrictions begin for emergency bridge repairs.
The Brock Road ramp closure affects the eastbound Highway 401 on-ramp, which is currently unavailable and is expected to remain closed until late fall 2026.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is carrying out rehabilitation and emergency repair work involving Brock Road, the Highway 401 bridge and the nearby CN overpass structure.
The City of Pickering says motorists should expect significant traffic impacts while the project continues.
Eastbound Highway 401 ramp closed
The eastbound Highway 401 on-ramp from Brock Road is fully closed during the project.
Drivers who normally use the ramp will need to access eastbound Highway 401 from another interchange.
The City identifies Whites Road in Pickering and Westney Road in Ajax as the closest alternative eastbound access points.
The closure is expected to continue until late fall, although construction schedules can change depending on progress, weather and other conditions.
Brock Road itself remains open but has been reduced to two lanes in each direction for the duration of the broader rehabilitation project.
Weekend Brock Road lane restrictions begin Aug. 28
Traffic restrictions become more significant beginning Friday night.
From 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, Brock Road will be reduced to just one lane in each direction through the construction area.
The first weekend closure is weather permitting.
Additional weekend restrictions are expected during August and September, although the City says further dates will be posted as they are confirmed.
Drivers travelling through the area should allow additional time, particularly during busy periods.
Emergency bridge repairs underway
The additional restrictions are being introduced so contractors can accelerate what the City describes as critical emergency repairs to the Highway 401 bridge.
Crews need to remove and repair large sections of deteriorated concrete beneath bridge lanes.
Reducing traffic on Brock Road allows the contractor to carry out that work without vehicles travelling directly overhead while repairs are underway.
The project also includes rehabilitation of portions of Brock Road and the CN overpass structure.
The Ministry of Transportation is leading the work rather than the City of Pickering, although the City is providing construction and traffic information to residents.
Major Pickering traffic delays expected
Brock Road is one of Pickering’s busiest north-south routes and provides an important connection with Highway 401.
The combination of the Brock Road ramp closure, reduced traffic lanes and weekend construction could therefore create delays for residents, commuters and businesses in the surrounding area.
Drivers approaching Highway 401 should watch carefully for temporary construction signs and lane shifts.
The City recommends allowing additional travel time and following posted detours and traffic-control signage.
Motorists who need eastbound Highway 401 access may want to plan their route toward Whites Road before reaching the affected interchange or continue east toward Westney Road in Ajax where appropriate.
More weekend closures expected
The Aug. 28–31 restriction is only the first confirmed weekend of the accelerated emergency-repair schedule.
Further weekend closure dates will be announced as construction progresses.
The eastbound Highway 401 on-ramp at Brock Road, meanwhile, is expected to remain unavailable considerably longer, with reopening currently targeted for late fall 2026.
Residents travelling through the Brock Road corridor should check current traffic information before leaving because construction schedules and lane configurations may change.
For now, motorists should expect the Brock Road ramp closure and reduced lanes to continue affecting travel through one of Pickering’s major Highway 401 access points.
