Ontario Construction News staff writer
Big construction is starting at Durham College Oshawa GO Station as Metrolinx begins upgrades aimed at boosting capacity and enabling more frequent, two-way, all-day GO service on the Lakeshore East line.
This project will introduce two new tracks, a fresh north platform with a canopy, pedestrian bridges, and a new bus loop. The work also aims to get the station ready for future services linked to the upcoming Bowmanville GO Extension.
“Durham Region is growing, and we’re working with the Government of Ontario to deliver the transit infrastructure needed to keep people moving,” Metrolinx president and CEO Michael Lindsay said in a statement.
“Improvements at Durham College Oshawa GO Station will modernize the station with a new bus loop, two new pedestrian bridges, a new north platform and canopy, and the reconstruction of the existing south platform. These enhancements will expand station capacity and improve accessibility, helping meet the demand of future service, including the Bowmanville Extension project.”
The plan includes adding two tracks on each side of the new north platform to increase capacity on the Lakeshore East line while supporting planned expansions of GO service further east into Durham Region.
There are also plans to rebuild and extend the current south platform with upgrades for better accessibility. The new north platform will come equipped with a canopy and snow-melting technology.
New pedestrian bridges on both sides of the station will make it easier to cross over the rail corridor. A temporary bus loop will operate during construction until a permanent one is built.
Additional work involves creating a new rail crossover for future operations related to the Bowmanville extension along with building retaining walls, drainage systems, and stormwater management features. Cable containment systems and foundations are being installed to prepare for future electrification in this corridor.
Preliminary construction started back in December 2025 and was wrapped up earlier this year. Major construction is now progressing with site mobilization, staging efforts, utility relocations, and rail infrastructure work.
The station upgrades are part of Metrolinx’s wider GO Expansion program that aligns with plans for an 18.7-kilometre Bowmanville GO Extension.
This extension will bring four new stations at Thornton’s Corners East, Central Oshawa, Courtice, and Bowmanville.
When finished, it’s expected that trains will run every 30 minutes during peak times, hourly during off-peak hours, and every two hours on weekends.
Metrolinx anticipates that by 2041, the Bowmanville extension could lead to about 17,000 daily trips along with around 4.9 million annual boardings.
Ontario Tech University president and vice-chancellor Steven Murphy noted that expanded GO service would enhance connections between the university community in Durham Region and beyond into Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
“Ontario Tech is deeply connected to Durham Region and the wider GTHA; students, employees, researchers and industry partners move between our campuses and communities every day,” Murphy said.
“Expanding two-way all-day GO service will strengthen those connections opening greater access to talent research partnerships while supporting Durham Region’s continued economic growth.”
Murphy added that this project supports Ontario Tech’s role in developing skills within transportation sectors.
“Being home to Canada’s first English-language undergraduate railway engineering specialization means Ontario Tech is also fostering specialized talent needed for building transportation infrastructure Ontario requires moving forward,” he said.
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