Motorists in Durham Region should plan ahead for significant delays on March 22, 2026, due to scheduled roadwork that will affect key highways in the area. Nine highway closures are planned for that day, with closures on Highway 12 and Highway 401, two of the region’s busiest roads.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has outlined the following closures for March 22, 2026, which will affect traffic in Durham and surrounding areas:
- Highway 401 westbound between Brock Road, Pickering and Morningside Ave, Toronto: One alternating lane will be closed starting March 19 at 11:59 p.m. and lasting until April 2 at 5 a.m.. This closure may cause delays for those traveling along the western stretch of Highway 401, so motorists are advised to consider alternate routes or expect slower traffic.
- Highway 12 northbound between Talbot River Bridge, Ramara and Atherley Road, Orillia: One alternating lane will be closed from March 22 at 8 p.m. until March 28 at 7 a.m.. This closure is part of ongoing roadwork in the northern areas of Durham and will impact travel between Durham and Orillia. Drivers heading north should be prepared for delays.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Liverpool Road, Pickering and Morningside Ave, Toronto: One alternating lane will be closed from March 19 at 11:59 p.m. until April 2 at 5 a.m.. As with the westbound closure, drivers should expect congestion, particularly during the evening and early morning hours.
- Highway 401 westbound between Bowmanville Truck Inspection Station and Bowmanville Truck Inspection Station in Clarington: A right lane will be closed from March 24 at 12 a.m. until March 31 at 3 p.m.. This lane closure may cause slower travel times, especially near the Bowmanville Truck Inspection Station, where trucks are common.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 35/115, Clarington and Boundary Road, Port Hope: One alternating lane will be closed from March 24 at 7 a.m. until March 26 at 3 p.m. This work will impact eastbound traffic, so be aware of possible delays on your commute.
- Highway 401 westbound between Westney Road, Ajax and Brock Road, Pickering: Three alternating lanes will be closed from March 23 at 10 p.m. until March 28 at 5 a.m.. This closure is part of ongoing construction in the Ajax-Pickering area, so plan accordingly for added travel time.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Brock Road, Pickering and Westney Road, Ajax: Similarly, three alternating lanes will be closed from March 23 at 10 p.m. until March 28 at 5 a.m. Expect heavy delays and longer travel times during these hours.
- Highway 12 northbound between Talbot River Bridge, Ramara and Atherley Road, Orillia: One alternating lane will be closed from March 29 at 8 p.m. until April 2 at 7 a.m. This closure affects drivers traveling north of Durham toward Orillia.
- Highway 12 northbound between Talbot River Bridge, Ramara and Atherley Road, Orillia: Another alternating lane will be closed starting March 29 at 8 p.m. and lasting until April 2 at 7 a.m., continuing the roadwork in this section of Highway 12.
As construction and roadwork continue across Durham Region, motorists are encouraged to check for real-time updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly. With multiple closures and delays expected on key routes, using alternate highways or adjusting departure times may help minimize travel time.
