OSHAWA, Ont. — August 26, 2026 — Ontario has begun major construction at Durham College Oshawa GO Station, launching an expansion designed to increase rail capacity and support two-way, all-day service along the Lakeshore East line.
The project will add two tracks and significantly upgrade station infrastructure as the province prepares for increased GO Transit service across Durham Region. The work is also intended to accommodate future electrification and the planned Bowmanville GO Extension, which will push passenger rail service farther east.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in public transit to cut commute times, fight gridlock and keep Ontario moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Expanding Durham College Oshawa GO Station will unlock more frequent service on the Lakeshore East line, connecting thousands of people to jobs and opportunities as we build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Two New Tracks to Expand Lakeshore East Capacity
Construction crews have started work on two additional tracks alongside other infrastructure required for future electrification of the GO network.
Station improvements include a new north platform equipped with a canopy and snow-melt system, an extension of the south platform, two new pedestrian bridges and a new bus loop. The changes are expected to improve passenger accessibility while increasing the station’s ability to handle future ridership growth.
“Durham Region is growing, and we’re working with the Government of Ontario to deliver the transit infrastructure needed to keep people moving. 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,” said Michael Lindsay, Metrolinx President and CEO.
The station serves an important transportation corridor through Durham Region, connecting commuters with employment, education and other destinations across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Bowmanville Extension Expected to Drive Future Ridership
The Oshawa station project is closely linked with the province’s broader expansion of the Lakeshore East line. Earlier this year, Ontario broke ground on the Bowmanville GO Extension, which will extend rail service nearly 19 kilometres farther into Durham Region.
The province estimates the extension will support about 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million annual boardings by 2041.
“The upgrades at Durham College Oshawa GO Station are a significant next step in our plan to shorten commute times and strengthen connections across the region with reliable, two-way, all-day rail service,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is building and renewing critical infrastructure through the province’s $236-billion capital plan to support communities, create jobs and protect Ontario.”
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham, said growing communities require more frequent and accessible transportation.
“As Durham Region continues to grow, investments in frequent and accessible transit are essential to keeping our communities connected. The expansion of Durham College Oshawa GO Station will ensure our transportation network can meet the needs of current and future generations. Thank you to the Ontario government for investing in infrastructure that will make it easier for residents to live, work and travel throughout the region and beyond.”
Transit Investment Tied to Economic Growth
The project also has implications for businesses, educational institutions and employers that rely on regional transportation links.
“Ontario Tech is deeply connected to Durham Region and the wider GTHA, with students, employees, researchers and industry partners moving between our campuses and communities every day. Expanding two-way, all-day GO service will strengthen those connections — opening greater access to talent, research, and partnership, while supporting Durham Region’s continued economic growth. As home to Canada’s first and only English-language undergraduate railway engineering specialization, Ontario Tech is also developing the specialized talent and expertise that will help build the transportation infrastructure Ontario needs for the future,” said Dr. Steven Murphy, President & Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University.
Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, said the expansion would improve access to employment and education while supporting economic activity.
“Our government is investing in the infrastructure that helps families, workers and communities succeed. Expanding Durham College Oshawa GO Station will make it easier for people to get to work, school and opportunities across the region, while supporting good-paying jobs and economic growth for years to come.”
Ontario Continues Broader GO Expansion Program
Ontario says it has invested more than $15.3 billion through the GO Expansion program to add infrastructure and capacity and improve service reliability across the regional rail network.
The province is also investing nearly $70 billion in its broader transit expansion program. Other recent initiatives include the launch of daily round trips between Toronto and Stratford on the Kitchener GO line and a five-year, $1.3-billion contract extension with Alstom to continue operating and maintaining GO Transit fleets.
For Durham Region, the Oshawa station upgrades represent another piece of a larger transportation strategy aimed at accommodating population growth, expanding regional connectivity and reducing pressure on Highway 401.