Residents with questions about the upcoming two-year closure of a section of Simcoe Street in Oshawa will have an opportunity to get answers during a virtual public information session hosted by Metrolinx on January 6.
The meeting, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a question-and-answer period to follow, was originally planned as an in-person event. However, Metrolinx confirmed the session was moved online after staff received threats. The decision was made on the advice of authorities who are investigating an anonymous threat directed at the provincial transit agency.
In a statement, Metrolinx said the change was made to prioritize staff safety while continuing to keep the public informed about the project and its impacts.
The meeting will focus on the planned closure of Simcoe Street north of Highway 401, which is required to rebuild the bridge over the CPKC rail tracks. The bridge replacement is part of the Bowmanville Extension project, which will extend GO rail service from Oshawa to Bowmanville.
Metrolinx said the existing Simcoe Street bridge is more than 100 years old and nearing the end of its service life. The new bridge will be higher, longer, and realigned to meet modern engineering standards. Construction is expected to take approximately two years and will require a full closure of Simcoe Street between Avenue Street and Albany Street, beginning as early as January 12.
The agency said a full closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and construction crews while multiple construction activities are underway.
Traffic flow in the area will be closely monitored throughout the project, with signal timing adjustments, advance turn signals, and dedicated turn lanes added where needed. Pedestrian access will be maintained via a detour along the Michael Starr Trail, with continued access at Olive Street. Local traffic access will also be preserved during construction.
To further support traffic flow, a new bus stop will be introduced on Gibb Street east of Stevenson Road beginning Saturday, January 3, serving routes 52, 56, and 92.
Once completed, the Bowmanville Extension will add 18.7 kilometres to the Lakeshore East Line, improving access to fast, reliable, two-way, all-day GO service across Durham Region.
Residents with questions about the project are encouraged to contact Metrolinx’s Durham Region Community Engagement office.
Photo Credits : Insauga
