Drivers in Ajax should prepare for new lane restrictions, lane shifts and traffic signal changes along Kingston Road as the Region of Durham moves into the next phase of the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project.
The work will affect intersections on Kingston Road (Durham Regional Highway 2) between Rotherglen Road and Galea Drive, the Region of Durham said. That stretch covers the intersections of Westney Road, Chapman Drive/Ritchie Avenue, Harwood Avenue and Salem Road.
In some areas, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. The Region is implementing the changes to accommodate construction of centre median bus rapid transit stations as part of the DSBRT project.
Traffic signal timings are also being adjusted. The new configurations include offset left-turn lanes and fully protected left-turn signals, which the Region said are intended to improve safety for motorists.
The construction is expected to continue until late spring 2027, when the new permanent lane configurations will be put in place. The Region cautioned that unfavourable weather could affect the schedule.
What stays open
Bus routes, bus stops, sidewalks and businesses along the corridor will remain open during their regular operating hours for the duration of construction, according to the Region.
The Region has posted project details for the affected segments at durham.ca/BRTRotherglenToHarwood and durham.ca/BRTHarwoodtoGalea. A live interactive map of current construction projects and up-to-date traffic information is available at durham.ca/TrafficWatch.
For business owners worried about the impact of road work, Durham Region offers guidance on what to expect during construction and tips on minimizing disruption at durham.ca/OpenForBusiness.
Project funding and background
The Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project is partially funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Region said.
The project aims to bring dedicated bus rapid transit infrastructure along the Highway 2 corridor, connecting Durham Region with Scarborough. The Ajax segment includes new median stations that require reconfiguring lanes and intersections along Kingston Road.
The Region acknowledged the work may be disruptive and said it will make every effort to complete it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Drivers are being asked to exercise caution in the construction zones for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and work crews.
