Oshawa Ajax Road Closures temporarily disrupted traffic on Monday after Durham Regional Police responded to separate motor vehicle collisions in the two communities.
The incidents affected Taunton Road West in Ajax and Gibb Street in Oshawa. Both roads were closed for approximately two hours while police managed the scenes before reopening them to traffic.
No information about possible injuries, the number of vehicles involved or the circumstances leading to either collision was provided in the initial police updates.
Taunton Road closed after Ajax collision
Durham Regional Police first advised drivers about a collision on Taunton Road West in Ajax.
The road was closed between Church Street North and Ravenscroft Road, a busy section of Taunton Road serving residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas in the northern part of the town.
Police asked motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes while emergency personnel dealt with the incident. Approximately two hours after issuing the original traffic notice, police confirmed that the roadway had reopened.
Drivers travelling through north Ajax may have experienced delays while traffic was redirected to nearby roads.
Gibb Street closed in Oshawa
A separate motor vehicle collision also caused a temporary closure in central Oshawa.
Gibb Street was closed between Simcoe Street South and Centre Street South while police responded to the scene. Motorists were advised to stay away from the area until officers completed their work.
Durham police announced approximately two hours later that Gibb Street had reopened.
The affected section is near downtown Oshawa and provides access to several local streets, businesses and community destinations. The closure may therefore have affected drivers travelling between central Oshawa and neighbourhoods farther south.
Police had not released additional information about the collision at the time of the initial traffic alerts.
The two incidents were separate and there was no indication that they were connected.
Athol Street closure begins August 6
In addition to the temporary Oshawa Ajax Road Closures, Oshawa drivers should prepare for a planned closure on Athol Street West beginning Thursday, August 6.
The City of Oshawa says Athol Street West will be closed to through traffic between Centre Street North and Simcoe Street North until August 20.
A hard closure will be established in front of 39 Athol Street West. Local access will remain available from Simcoe Street for municipal parking Lot 4 and the garage at the Michael Starr Building.
The closure is required to complete service connections for a new development at 39 Athol Street West. The project involves the construction of a 205-unit residential building.
The city says road-closure and detour signs will be installed according to provincial standards. Through access will not be available to emergency vehicles during the closure. The municipality has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the work.
Drivers encouraged to plan ahead
Motorists travelling through downtown Oshawa between August 6 and 20 should allow additional time and follow posted detour signs.
Drivers should also watch for updated police notices when an unexpected collision closes a road. Emergency closures can change quickly depending on the severity of an incident and the time needed to clear vehicles, collect evidence or make the roadway safe.
The collision-related Oshawa Ajax Road Closures have ended, but the upcoming Athol Street West construction closure will continue for approximately two weeks.
