Major construction starts at Durham College Oshawa GO Station
Major construction is now underway at Durham College Oshawa GO Station as Ontario moves ahead with infrastructure intended to support more frequent, two-way, all-day GO train service on the Lakeshore East line.
The latest phase of the Oshawa GO station upgrades includes construction of two additional tracks along with significant platform, pedestrian and transit improvements.
The work also prepares the station for future electrification and the planned Bowmanville GO Extension.
Two new tracks being added in Oshawa
Ontario announced the start of major construction in late August, following the completion of preliminary work at the station.
Two additional tracks are being constructed as part of the expansion.
Metrolinx says the new tracks will be located around a new north platform and will provide additional rail capacity needed for future service improvements along the Lakeshore East corridor.
The project also includes infrastructure that will support future electrification of GO service.
New platforms, bridges and bus loop planned
Changes at Durham College Oshawa GO Station go beyond the additional tracks.
A new north platform will feature a canopy and snow-melting technology, while the existing south platform will be extended and restored.
New east and west pedestrian bridges are planned to improve access around the station.
A new permanent bus loop will also be constructed. A temporary bus loop will operate during parts of the construction period so transit connections can continue while work progresses.
Additional work includes retaining walls, drainage and stormwater-management infrastructure and foundations for future electrification equipment.
Station will remain open during construction
Metrolinx says construction is being completed in phases so Durham College Oshawa GO Station can remain open to passengers.
Commuters should nevertheless expect temporary changes as different phases move forward.
Those could include adjustments to parking, pedestrian routes, bus operations and station access.
Metrolinx says advance notice will be provided when significant changes are required.
Current upcoming work includes site mobilization and construction staging, development of the temporary bus loop and utility and rail infrastructure work.
Upgrades support future Bowmanville GO service
The Oshawa GO station upgrades are also closely connected to the Bowmanville GO Extension.
That project will extend Lakeshore East rail service approximately 18.7 kilometres east from the existing Durham College Oshawa GO Station.
The extension is expected to bring GO rail service farther through Oshawa and into Courtice and Bowmanville while creating new rail infrastructure, bridges and stations.
Metrolinx also plans a new crossover connection at the Oshawa station to support future Bowmanville operations.
Ontario estimates the Bowmanville extension could support approximately 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million annual boardings by 2041.
Major milestone for Lakeshore East expansion
Durham College Oshawa GO Station is currently the eastern end of regular Lakeshore East GO train service and serves commuters, students and residents from across Durham Region.
The ongoing construction represents another major step toward increasing rail capacity east of Toronto.
While the improvements will not immediately create the final expanded service schedule, the new tracks, platforms and supporting infrastructure are being built to make more frequent and reliable service possible in the future.
Construction will continue in phases, with future milestones including completion of the new north platform, installation of the additional tracks, opening of the pedestrian bridges and reconstruction of the south platform.
