Timeline for construction of GO Train expansion to Bowmanville still unclear

The most pressing question asked during a Virtual Open House held last month on the extension of GO service to Bowmanville was When? and it was one question that Metrolinx could not answer.

The planned extension of GO service east, as well as four new stations and all-day service with express peak trains every half hour, is definitely a go, but when the work will be completed is still up in the air.

Metrolink said in the open house changes to the track alignment and the location of the proposed layover facility, as well as the addition of new and expanded bridges have forced an ‘Addendum’ to the original and already “complex” environmental assessment and delays to timeline announcements.

Firm dates for construction of the long awaited expansion are expected before the end of the year.

Once the work is done GO Transit users in Durham will be able to shave 15 minutes off their commute time with rush hour service every 30 minutes; off-peak every hour and every two hours on the weekend between Bowmanville and Union Station.

Public concerns expressed during the open house included safety risks with level crossings, bus connections, the business case for the location of the four new stations, soil and groundwater contamination and electrification.

Participants to the open house also learned the project now has a construction manager, with Bowmanville Construction Partners (BCP) announced as the lead partner on the build. BCP is a general partnership between Ledcor CMI Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc.

Two new stations in Oshawa are planned for the extension: Thornton’s Corners East (with a new track bringing the extension north of Hwy 401 from the current Oshawa station); and a new Central Oshawa station at the former Knob Hills Farm site on Front Street, between Simcoe St. S and Ritson Rd. S.

Clarington will also receive two stations; at Courtice and Bowmanville.

To review the recording of the open house, visit GO EAST.