A major Liberty Street closure will affect north Bowmanville for nearly four months as Durham Region begins the first phase of a wider road reconstruction and roundabout project.
Liberty Street North, also known as Regional Road 14, is scheduled to close between Longworth Avenue and Bons Avenue/Freeland Avenue from Wednesday, September 9 through Thursday, December 31. The schedule is weather-dependent, and the Region says the full project is expected to continue until spring 2028.
Detour uses Bowmanville Avenue and Taunton Road
During the closure, through traffic will be directed along Longworth Avenue, Bowmanville Avenue (Regional Road 57) and Taunton Road (Regional Road 4). Drivers who regularly use Liberty Street to travel between central Bowmanville and communities to the north should allow extra time and watch for posted detour signs.
The closure is longer and farther north than the short lane restriction announced for Liberty Street between Wellington Street and Carlisle Avenue from August 31 to September 4. That earlier work involved new water and sanitary connections for development. The September 9 closure covers the section from Longworth Avenue to Bons and Freeland avenues and is part of a larger reconstruction project.
New roundabout and underground infrastructure planned
Durham Region says the work will include road reconstruction, new sewer-collection and watermain-distribution infrastructure, and construction of a roundabout. The municipality has not described the September-to-December period as the entire project; it is the first closure phase of work expected to run into 2028.
The Liberty Street closure will affect an important north-south route serving residential growth areas in Bowmanville. The detour will shift additional traffic to Bowmanville Avenue and Taunton Road, particularly during weekday commuting periods and school travel times.
Drivers approaching from south of Longworth Avenue will need to leave Liberty Street before the closed section, while travellers coming from the north can use Taunton Road to reach Bowmanville Avenue. Local access may vary as construction advances, so posted signs at the site should take priority over a familiar route or an older navigation-app suggestion.
Businesses in the construction area are expected to remain open. Residents should follow access signs and check with individual businesses if they are unsure how to reach a property during a particular stage of the work.
Drivers asked to protect workers and other road users
The Region is asking motorists to slow down and use caution around the construction zone and detour route. Drivers should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, equipment and road crews.
Unfavourable weather or unexpected site conditions could change the closure dates. The Region maintains a dedicated Liberty Street project page for construction notices, while its Traffic Watch map provides current information about closures and lane restrictions across Durham.
Transit passengers, delivery drivers and anyone with an appointment in the area should confirm their route shortly before travelling. The official notice does not announce changes to Durham Region Transit service, but a long closure and detour can affect traffic conditions and travel times even when a scheduled stop remains in service.
For people travelling through Bowmanville, the key dates are September 9 to December 31 for the first-phase closure. The broader project—including the new roundabout and underground servicing—is expected to be complete in spring 2028.
Source: Region of Durham road-closure notice, published September 1, 2026.
Featured image: original AI-generated editorial illustration by AllAboutDurham.com; it does not depict the exact construction site.
