Removal of Simcoe Street bridge forces detours, extends commuter delays
Piece‑by‑piece demolition of the Simcoe Street bridge over the Canadian Pacific tracks is under way as contractors prepare for an expanded GO rail corridor and a new central Oshawa station immediately to the east. The structure, more than a century old, has been closed to vehicles since January and will remain restricted for roughly another 18 months while a wider replacement is built to accommodate two tracks.
Residents and drivers report heavier traffic on alternative routes as the city adapts to the prolonged closure. Councillors say the situation has been aggravated by concurrent provincial work to widen Highway 401 and replace overpass structures at Park Road and Cubert Street.
“The nightmare continues,” said Oshawa councillor Brian Nicholson, describing a flood of complaints from motorists coping with reduced access between downtown, Highway 401 and south Oshawa.
Multiple closures, overlapping timelines
The Ministry of Transportation told city councillors that the Park Road and Cubert Street overpass replacements were moved up from the original schedule. Cubert Street is already closed. Park Road — between Bloor Street and College Avenue — was shut July 13 and will remain closed into the fall of 2027. A weekend closure also occurred June 27-28.
- Simcoe Street bridge: closed to vehicles since January; estimated 18 months to replace.
- Cubert Street: closed to allow 401 overpass work.
- Park Road (Bloor to College): closed July 13 until autumn 2027, with weekend interruptions already recorded.
The combined closures affect several important connections: downtown Oshawa to Highway 401, routes toward the General Motors plant and neighbourhoods north of the rail corridor. The original Simcoe Street span served generations of residents navigating between those points; its removal is part of a broader Metrolinx project to expand GO service into Oshawa’s new central station.
Local impact and what drivers should expect
City councillors say motorists are increasingly frustrated by longer travel times and restricted access. While Metrolinx contracted the work on the Simcoe Street structure, the provincial Ministry of Transportation is carrying out the 401 bridge replacements, resulting in overlapping construction zones and detours. Officials have not announced changes to the overall timelines shared with councillors.
| Location | Status | Reported timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Simcoe Street bridge (over CP tracks) | Closed to vehicles | Closed since January; ~18 months to rebuild |
| Cubert Street (401 overpass) | Closed | Closure in effect (schedule advanced) |
| Park Road (Bloor to College) | Closed | Closed July 13; through fall 2027 |
Longer-term, the completed works are intended to support increased GO service and improved highway safety and capacity. In the short term, however, residents and commuters face restricted routes and heavier congestion. Councillors are pressing for clearer communications and mitigation measures as the construction continues.
Oshawa drivers are advised to check municipal and provincial traffic updates for detour maps and temporary closure notices while the infrastructure projects proceed.
