City council members in Oshawa, Ontario, are urging Metrolinx to reconsider the proposed closure of a key road in the city for the GO train east expansion initiative. Preliminary groundwork has commenced for the new Central Oshawa GO Station at 500 Howard St., just north of Highway 401, in preparation for its construction. Metrolinx is developing two stations in Oshawa as part of the Bowmanville extension of the Lakeshore East line.
Although the provincial transportation agency has not disclosed its strategy for building the Central Oshawa site or provided a construction timeline, internal discussions suggest that Simcoe Street could be shut down for up to a year. Ward 5 Councillor John Grey, representing local residents, criticized the potential closure as “irresponsible,” citing concerns about business disruptions and traffic congestion.
Simcoe Street serves as the primary thoroughfare through Oshawa, spanning from Lake Ontario to Port Perry, Ontario. Gray emphasized that closing the portion of the street proposed by the transportation agency would sever essential access to Highway 401 and divide the city. He suggested emulating the Ministry of Transportation’s phased approach to the Simcoe Street bridge replacement at Highway 401.
Gray recently proposed a motion to council, which was unanimously approved, urging Metrolinx to collaborate with the city, Durham Region, and the province to implement construction phases and avoid complete road closures. The council’s aim is to highlight the potential significant community impacts and prompt Metrolinx to consider these factors in its planning.
In response to concerns raised by local business owners, Metrolinx spokesperson Andrea Ernesaks stated that construction schedules are being finalized. She mentioned that bridge upgrades and other major construction activities are essential for the Bowmanville Extension, necessitating lane and road closures. Metrolinx is working closely with regional authorities to mitigate traffic disruptions during construction wherever feasible.
Hassan Mohammed, the owner of Baitul Mukarram Supermarket, expressed worries about the financial implications of a year-long road closure on his newly established business. Despite garnering positive support and clientele after recent openings, Mohammed fears losing access to his store due to the potential closure. He emphasized the importance of maintaining access for customers from both North and South Oshawa, highlighting the critical impact on his business.
Mohammed acknowledged the benefits of the GO expansion project for Durham Region but stressed the need for Metrolinx to address the council’s apprehensions. While Gray anticipated demolition work to commence in June, he now predicts a delay until November, as Metrolinx has not confirmed the start date for major construction activities at the new stations.