The Regional Municipality of Durham is scheduling planned closures and lane restrictions that will affect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Clarington and neighbouring Oshawa later this month and into the autumn.
Weekend closures for pedestrian tunnel work in Bowmanville
Motorists who use Bowmanville Avenue (Regional Road 57) should expect full road closures on two separate weekends to allow for construction of a pedestrian tunnel across the roadway in Bowmanville.
The region has said the closure zone will be between Waverly Road and Aspen Springs Drive. The timings are:
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| Aug. 21, 7 a.m. | Aug. 24, 6 a.m. |
| Aug. 28, 7 a.m. | Aug. 31, 6 a.m. |
Work is weather dependent and the region warns that unfavourable weather conditions may impact the schedule. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained through the closures, and detour routes will be posted in advance.
They said businesses in the area will remain open throughout the construction, and the region advises drivers to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and work crews.
What residents and businesses should expect
Local businesses within the closure corridor will remain open, according to Durham Region. Still, travellers should anticipate altered access to some driveways, temporary pedestrian reroutes and signage guiding drivers to posted detours. The region emphasised safety for work crews and active travellers.
- Emergency access: will be maintained during the closure windows.
- Business operations: the region says businesses in the area will continue to operate despite the closures.
- Schedule risk: bad weather could change the planned dates and times.
Long-term lane restrictions in nearby Oshawa
While the Bowmanville work is confined to weekend closures, Durham Region also announced extended lane restrictions at a major intersection in Oshawa: the intersection of Harmony Road North (Regional Road 33) and Britannia Avenue East.
The restrictions will affect northbound and southbound lanes on Harmony Road North from 650 metres south of Britannia Avenue East to 650 metres north. Work is scheduled to proceed day and night from Aug. 24 to Nov. 20. As with the Bowmanville work, weather may alter the timetable. The region says the intersection improvements are being carried out to support new development.
Residents who regularly travel between Clarington and Oshawa should plan for slower journeys through the corridor for the next few months and keep an eye on official Durham Region communication channels for updates to detours or timing.
Practical tips for commuters
For the weekends of full closure, drivers are advised to follow posted detours and allow extra travel time. Cyclists and pedestrians should look for temporary routes and signage around the construction area. Businesses and delivery services operating near Bowmanville Avenue should coordinate with suppliers and customers ahead of the closure dates to avoid missed appointments or late deliveries.
Durham Region will post detour information in advance and has committed to maintaining emergency access through the closure windows. Motorists should drive with caution around work zones and obey all temporary traffic control devices.
More detailed scheduling or changes due to weather will be communicated by the region as required.
