The Town of Ajax is advancing a significant infrastructure initiative designed to enhance capacity and safety along a major north-south corridor. Following the recommendations set forth in the 2024 Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study, the town has commenced the detailed design phase to widen Harwood Avenue North. The project encompasses the stretch of road from Woodcock Avenue south to Taunton Road West, a route frequently used by commuters travelling through the heart of the Durham Region community. As Ajax continues to experience steady residential and commercial growth, this expansion is deemed essential to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles relying on this vital arterial road daily.
The comprehensive scope of work involves transforming the current two-lane roadway into a four-lane cross-section to better accommodate increasing traffic volumes. However, the project extends beyond simple asphalt expansion. Plans include the retrofitting of Root Pond, a critical component for local stormwater management. The town intends to implement extensive drainage improvements to mitigate flooding risks in the surrounding watershed, alongside the installation of modern traffic signals and street lighting to improve visibility and driver safety. Furthermore, a new multi-use trail will be constructed to promote active transportation, providing a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists while reducing the community’s carbon footprint.
According to the current timeline, shovels are expected to hit the ground in the third quarter of 2027. This schedule, however, remains dependent on the complex logistics of utility relocation, which must be finalized before major construction can proceed. While the work will inevitably cause some disruption, the town has committed to a strategy aimed at minimizing the impact on the daily lives of residents and business owners. Access to properties will be maintained throughout the construction period, although drivers should anticipate periodic lane reductions at intersections as the work progresses. The town will coordinate closely with local businesses to ensure signage and access points remain functional during the busiest phases of development.
To ensure transparency and gather public input, the Town of Ajax is hosting a Public Information Centre regarding the detailed design. This drop-in style event provides a vital opportunity for residents to review the proposed plans, ask questions of the project team, and provide feedback on the design elements before they are finalized. The session is scheduled for the evening of June 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in Hall 3C at the Audley Recreation Centre, located at 1955 Audley Road, Ajax. Community members are urged to attend to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the construction might affect their daily commutes and neighborhood environment.
Rassle Solaiman, Capital Projects Coordinator for the Town of Ajax, highlighted the value of community consultation in shaping the final design details. Solaiman, who can be contacted at 905-619-2529 ext. 4227, encouraged residents to voice any concerns they may have regarding the construction timeline or specific project features. Additionally, technical inquiries can be directed to Winnie Wong, Project Manager at R.V. Anderson Associates Limited. Wong is leading the engineering design and can be reached by phone at 416-497-8600 ext. 1471 or via email for those seeking specific technical clarifications regarding the civil engineering aspects of the widening.
For those unable to attend the session in person, the town will maintain a robust flow of information through physical and digital channels. Project information signs are set to be erected along Harwood Avenue to alert drivers of the impending changes well in advance. Furthermore, the Town of Ajax website will serve as a central hub for construction updates, traffic advisories, and schedule changes as the project moves toward the construction phase. Residents are encouraged to monitor these resources closely to stay informed about the roadwork that will reshape this vital artery in Ajax for years to come.
