Construction on the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) project will soon move into Pickering, with work scheduled to begin along Kingston Road (Regional Highway 2) from approximately 200 metres west of Steeple Hill to Merritton Road.

According to a Region of Durham news release, construction is expected to begin in late summer 2026 and be completed by summer 2028. The Region said additional notice will be issued before work starts to confirm the exact date.

The Pickering segment marks the next phase of a project that is already underway in Ajax. The Region describes the DSBRT as one of the largest transit infrastructure investments in Durham's history.

What the project includes

The DSBRT will run approximately 36 kilometres along Highway 2 through Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Toronto. Once complete, the line is expected to offer two-way transit service every five minutes, dedicated median bus-only lanes, priority signals and anticipated time savings of 20 minutes for trips along the Highway 2 corridor.

Along the Pickering stretch, crews will build dedicated median bus lanes, median transit stop platforms and shelters. The work also includes watermain and sanitary sewer installation, in-boulevard cycle tracks with crossrides, wider accessible sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping.

The project is partially funded through a joint investment by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and Durham Region under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

What residents and businesses can expect

The Region said bus routes, bus stops, sidewalks and businesses will remain open for the duration of construction. Businesses in the area will stay open and accessible throughout the work.

Durham Region has posted a guide for businesses on what to expect during construction, including tips on minimizing disruption, at durham.ca/OpenForBusiness. Drivers are asked to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and work crews.

The Region acknowledged the work may be disruptive and said it will make every effort to complete it as quickly and efficiently as possible. A live interactive map of current construction projects and up-to-date traffic information is available at durham.ca/TrafficWatch.

More details about the Pickering segment of the project are posted at durham.ca/BRTSteepleHillToMerritton.