Columbus Road will be closed from Country Lane to Cedarbrook Trail, to support the road’s expansion and future growth in Brooklin.
Work is expected to take about three years to complete, requiring ongoing co-ordination between many different agencies and utilities to get things done as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Detour routes will be posted, and all north/south roads crossing Columbus Road will be open during the closure.
This multi-year road improvement project is essential to prepare Brooklin and Whitby for future growth. With Whitby’s population expected to increase from about 140,000 to 190,000 by 2031, expanding the road will make sure homes built in the area are connected to reliable roads, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bridges.
Here’s what the project involves:
Starting in August 2025, a new hydro (electric) pole line will be built along the south side of Columbus Road. The existing hydro lines will be moved to this new location so the road can be widened from 2 lanes to 5 lanes - and even wider at the intersections. Moving the hydro lines along this 2.2 kilometre stretch of road is a significant undertaking – and the first step of this project – and is expected to be completed by late-2025.
Once the hydro work is done, some trees and brush will be removed to make room for construction in late fall and winter in line with rules about migratory birds and species at risk. This work must be finished by April 1, 2026. During this time, other utility companies like Bell will also move or adjust their equipment.
Construction will ramp up in 2026, with building of three new water crossings/culverts, and the installation of major water and sewer lines.
Once the water crossings/culverts, watermains, and sewer work are finished, the expansion of the road will begin. That phase includes building the 2.2 km of road, three new signalized intersections, landscaping, surface work, and installing a new Enbridge gas line. New cycling lanes, multi-use paths, sidewalks, and other features will also be built during this time.
The project will be carried out by a Town-approved Contractor under the direction of Town of Whitby Construction Staff.
Due to the scope of the work involved, every effort to complete the construction work as quickly and efficiently as possible will be made; however, please note that unfavourable weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances may influence the work schedule. Areas that are disturbed by new construction work will be restored as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience as we work to build a more connected community.
