City officials in Oshawa, Ontario, are urging Metrolinx to reconsider its decision to close a key road in the city for the GO train east expansion project. Preliminary work has already started for the new Central Oshawa GO Station at 500 Howard St., just north of Highway 401, as part of the Bowmanville extension of the Lakeshore East line.
Metrolinx is set to construct two stations in Oshawa, but details on the construction of the Central Oshawa site and the timeline for the project remain undisclosed. City councillors have indicated that Simcoe Street might face closure for about a year, a move deemed “irresponsible” by Ward 5 Coun. John Grey.
Gray emphasized the negative impacts on businesses and traffic congestion that a full closure of Simcoe Street could bring, especially during ongoing Highway 401 widening projects. Simcoe Street serves as the primary route through Oshawa, connecting Lake Ontario with Port Perry, Ontario.
Proposed closure of a section of Simcoe Street by Metrolinx raised concerns from local residents, including Gray, who highlighted the importance of strategic planning to minimize disruptions. Gray recommended phased construction in collaboration with the city, Durham Region, and the province to mitigate community impacts.
Business owners in the area, like Hassan Mohammed, fear the financial repercussions of a potential year-long road closure. Mohammed, who recently opened a supermarket and butcher shop, worries about losing access to customers from different parts of Oshawa due to the closure.
Metrolinx spokesperson, Andrea Ernesaks, mentioned that construction schedules are still being finalized and assured coordination with local authorities to minimize traffic disruptions. While construction plans are being developed, residents and business owners await further details on the project’s impact.