The Regional Municipality of Durham has announced a massive infrastructure overhaul for one of South Oshawa’s most critical industrial corridors. The Farewell Street Reconstruction 2026 project is set to begin its most intensive phase on Monday, May 18, involving a total road closure and significant lane restrictions that will reshape traffic flow toward the Port of Oshawa for the next 18 months. This regional project aims to completely modernize the roadway, improving drainage, pavement quality, and safety for the heavy-vehicle traffic that frequents the area.
Key Closure and Timeline Details
The Farewell Street Reconstruction 2026 is a phased project with a timeline that extends into late 2027:
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Total Road Closure: Farewell Street will be closed to all but local traffic from Wentworth Street East to Harbour Road beginning May 18, 2026. This closure is expected to remain in place until December 2026.
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Lane Restrictions: Reduced lanes will be in effect from Bloor Street East to Wentworth Street East for the entire duration of the project.
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Completion Date: While the major road closure ends this year, the full reconstruction and finishing work are not expected to be finalized until September 2027.
Strategic Detour Routes
To mitigate the impact of the Farewell Street Reconstruction 2026, the Region has established a primary detour route to maintain access to the Port of Oshawa and surrounding industrial zones:
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Primary Detour: Traffic will be rerouted onto Wentworth Street East, Simcoe Street South, and Harbour Road.
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Emergency Access: Regional officials confirmed that emergency service vehicles will have priority access using the established detour routes throughout the construction period.
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Port Access: Businesses operating within the Port of Oshawa will remain accessible, though drivers should expect significant delays during shift changes.
Impact on Local Businesses
Regional officials are emphasizing that all businesses along the construction corridor will remain open during the Farewell Street Reconstruction 2026. To support local commerce, the Region is promoting its “Open for Business” initiative, which provides merchants with tips on how to manage material deliveries and customer access during long-term closures. Business owners are encouraged to visit durham.ca/OpenForBusiness for specific mitigation strategies.
A Coordinated Infrastructure Push
This project coincides with other major works in the area, including the Metrolinx Farewell Bridge Demolition related to the Bowmanville GO Extension. The synchronization of these projects is intended to minimize the long-term disruption to South Oshawa, though the immediate result will be a high-density construction zone. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, as the area will see a high volume of pedestrians, cyclists, and heavy machinery operating in close proximity through the summer months.
