As construction progresses on the GO Transit Lakeshore East train service extension to Bowmanville, local residents in Oshawa are grappling with the implications of a two-year closure affecting a key road. Simcoe Street South, located between Avenue and Albany streets just north of Highway 401, was officially closed as of Monday. This closure has significant consequences as it is the only uninterrupted roadway that links Lake Ontario to Port Perry.
In light of the closure, residents are urged to consider alternative routes. Ritson Road South, situated approximately 850 meters east of Simcoe Street South, is the nearest major north-south corridor, but officials recommend using Stevenson Road South, about 1.8 kilometers to the west, to connect to Highway 401 and other southern areas of Oshawa.
According to a public notice issued by Metrolinx, the construction entails the demolition of the Simcoe Street South bridge alongside the relocation of utilities, constructing a new bridge foundation, and completing various paving and landscaping works. This work is part of the larger 20-kilometer Lakeshore East extension project within the CKPC rail corridor, which includes new train services originating from Oshawa GO station to future stations at Thornton's Corners East, Ritson Road, Courtice, and Bowmanville. The project also involves the addition of a new set of tracks.
Local resident Al Bursey has observed the immediate effects of the closure since barricades were erected. He noted a significant number of vehicles—about 100—have been forced to turn around due to the lack of clear detour signage. Bursey described the current situation as a “nightmare” since the decision by GO Transit to expand eastward.
Moreover, business owners near the closure are expressing their frustrations. Mike Kantaros, who operates Big Boy’s Burgers in close proximity to the affected area, voiced his concerns about the timing of the closure. Kantaros stated that he only became aware of the Simcoe Street South closure a month prior. “For us, it’s kind of a stab in the heart,” he lamented, noting an immediate decline in customer numbers since the road's closure, indicating that the loss of convenient traffic could be detrimental to his business.
Sohan Lall, the owner of Bargain Binz, echoed similar sentiments, revealing his regrets about signing a lease in 2023. He expressed hope that the impact of the closure wouldn't persist for an extended period, referencing delays from other Metrolinx projects. Manager Amanda Vetter added that business has been slower than usual, but they remain optimistic that customers will still find their way to them.
CityNews reached out to Metrolinx to address questions surrounding the project, the concerns regarding insufficient notification, and the potential impacts on nearby small businesses. While a spokesperson did not thoroughly address these specific concerns, they emphasized that significant planning and consultation had taken place prior to the closure. The statement indicated that extensive discussions were held with various stakeholders, including the Durham Region, the City of Oshawa, and the Municipality of Clarington, along with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
Metrolinx representatives noted that once all necessary approvals were acquired, they initiated a campaign to inform the community six weeks prior to the closure. They collaborated closely with local authorities to implement measures aimed at minimizing traffic impacts during the construction phase. The timeline for the projects is influenced by a variety of factors, including design development, permits, and the initiation of construction work.
