Simcoe Street South Reconstruction

When will Simcoe Street South reconstruction begin?

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2023.

Who are the primary contacts for the Simcoe Street South road reconstruction? 

• Supervisor Contact: Cory Manion, Regional Municipality of Durham (Primary contact for project-related information)
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Telephone: 289-927-2160

• Project Engineer: Nathaniel Andres, Regional Municipality of Durham 
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Telephone: 905-668-7711 ext. 3170

• Project Manager: Katlyn Bertin, Regional Municipality of Durham 
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Telephone: 905-668-7711 ext. 2701

What is the construction plan and the phasing? What is impacted & when? 

A detailed schedule will be released in the near future. One northbound lane will remain open at all times on Simcoe Street and three lanes will be closed for the first stage of the project. 

Will entrances to businesses be retained and accessible?

Driveway entrances to businesses will be retained and accessible wherever possible. Where water mains and sanitary sewers cross a driveway, vehicular access will be restricted for a few days with advanced notice provided to the affected businesses and residences. Business entrances will remain open and accessible to pedestrian traffic.

For properties with water and/or sanitary services very close to the front entrance, where alternate entrances are not available, businesses may have to temporarily close for safety during replacement, or the work may be completed after hours. These cases will be reviewed on an individual basis including direct engagement with the affected business owner. 

Which lane will be open, and will that change throughout the project duration?

The open lane will be subject to change during construction. The west curb lane will remain open for the first phase. After the sanitary sewer and water main are constructed and the east lanes are re-paved, traffic will be shifted to the east side of the road to facilitate the remainder of the servicing, storm sewer and road works. 

Will there be a detour for public transit?

No bus detour is anticipated.

How can businesses best plan around water service interruptions?

Water service interruptions are to be expected and will be preceded with advanced notice. For businesses that are particularly sensitive to water service interruption, Durham Region asks that they make their concerns known prior to the work being undertaken and they will be addressed. This advanced planning will allow Durham Region to review and consider if either timing accommodations may help resolve those concerns, or to have bottled water or other sources on hand on a temporary basis. 

Will construction be occurring through overnight periods as well?

Overnight work is not anticipated at this time, but it may be required to facilitate challenging road crossings in a safer and more expeditious manner or to limit water interruptions for the reasons noted above. Again, the need for any night work will be conveyed to businesses in advance of undertaking that work should it be deemed necessary.

What does ‘short term’ sidewalk closure mean? 

The intent is to have at least one sidewalk on Simcoe Street open at all times. The opposite sidewalk will be impacted as water and sanitary services are replaced. 

Who can I contact in case of an emergency during off hours?

Immediately prior to starting construction, an additional Construction Notice will be issued to all residents and businesses in the area. This will include all the necessary information, including emergency contacts.

How will emergency services be impacted?

Emergency Services will be permitted to enter into and through the work zone via the open lane.

How will this impact garbage and recycling pickup for businesses and residents?

An additional Construction Notice will be issued to all residents and businesses, outlining how garbage and recycling collection will be addressed. The expectation is that the contractor will have staff available to pick up the garbage and take it to a designated location for pick-up, returning bins to the appropriate property at the end of the day where required.