A key infrastructure project in Oshawa’s rapidly growing north end is under consideration for an early start—and that’s welcome news for those in the construction industry. The City of Oshawa is exploring a collaborative opportunity with neighbouring Whitby to expedite the long-planned Britannia Road extension. By joining forces, the two municipalities aim to deliver the project faster and more efficiently, while opening the door for construction jobs sooner than expected.
Why This Project Matters
The extension of Britannia Road—from its current endpoint west of Thornton Road to the Whitby border—is part of a broader regional initiative to improve east-west traffic flow south of Highway 407. This connector is essential for linking Oshawa’s booming residential developments with Whitby’s new Mid-Block Arterial Roadway, which itself is designed to serve growing communities like south Brooklin and connect key arteries such as Cochrane Street/Highway 7 and Garden Street.
For construction workers, civil engineers, and trade professionals, this project offers meaningful work in both road building and structural engineering. It represents a rare chance to be involved in a cross-municipal infrastructure build—one that requires careful coordination and the application of best practices in roadway development.
Design and Construction Scope
Insauga Local News reports that the proposed Britannia Road extension will run approximately 400 metres from Thornton Road to the Whitby border. When completed, it will cover just under one kilometre in total, stretching across the west arm of Oshawa Creek to reach the current terminus of Britannia Road.
The initial plan calls for construction to begin in 2031, but a new proposal suggests combining the detailed design phase with Whitby’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the build. This coordinated approach would reduce costs by leveraging economies of scale and shared contractor resources.
From a construction perspective, the project will include:
Earthworks and grading to prepare the corridor across varied terrain
Bridge or culvert construction across Oshawa Creek
Installation of road base materials, asphalt paving, and road markings
Drainage systems and stormwater management
Possible signalized intersections and road safety measures
Detailed Design Funding and Budget Overview
The estimated cost of the detailed design for Oshawa’s portion of the Britannia Avenue extension is approximately $570,000. The funds would be sourced from the Transportation Roads Development Charges Reserve and the Growth Related (non-development charges) Reserve. By collaborating with Whitby during the design stage, Oshawa hopes to save money and accelerate construction.
For tradespeople and construction firms, early design participation offers the opportunity to contribute input that can directly affect construction logistics, materials planning, and site staging—valuable roles that support smoother execution during the build phase.
Whitby’s Progress and Phased Rollout
The Town of Whitby is already making headway. Phase 1 of the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway—stretching from Ashburn Road to the future Garden Street extension—is currently under construction and expected to wrap up this spring. Meanwhile, Phase 3 (Anderson Road to the Whitby/Oshawa border) is moving forward in detailed design through a front-end agreement with area developers. That design work, with a price tag of $2.4 million, is projected for completion by year-end.
Construction on Phase 3 is anticipated to begin in 2026, providing a clear opportunity for adjacent Oshawa work to commence in tandem or shortly after.
Opportunities for Construction Workers
This type of major infrastructure project demands a wide range of trades and technical skills. Workers can expect involvement in:
Site preparation, excavation, and land clearing
Heavy equipment operation for grading and roadbed preparation
Concrete forming and pouring for any necessary structures over the creek
Installation of utilities and stormwater systems
Asphalt paving and road surfacing
Traffic signal installation and line painting
Early collaboration means earlier engagement with subcontractors and specialists, giving workers the chance to bid on contracts and get on-site sooner. This also opens doors for apprenticeships and continued employment across multiple phases of the regional build.
Conclusion: Building More Than Roads
The proposed collaboration between Oshawa and Whitby isn’t just about expediting a roadway—it’s about maximizing value, accelerating community connectivity, and creating skilled construction jobs today instead of tomorrow.
As municipal leaders debate the path forward, the construction sector stands ready to bring the Britannia Road extension to life. For local workers, this is more than an infrastructure project—it’s a high-impact opportunity to help shape the future of Durham Region’s expanding transportation network.