Whitby drivers should plan for slower trips on Stellar Drive starting June 15, as the Region of Durham closes some lanes for water service installation and new driveway construction just west of Thornton Road South. The work will run through July 15, 2026, and is meant to support new development in the area.
According to the Region of Durham, lane restrictions will be in place from about 850 metres to one kilometre west of Thornton Road South – a stretch of roughly 150 metres. The region says crews need the lane closures to safely put in water services and build new entrances for upcoming development.
Drivers should expect delays and give themselves extra time. The region is also asking motorists to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and work crews. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the work could take longer than planned.
This is part of a much bigger push to upgrade water infrastructure across Durham Region. Regional Council recently approved a five percent increase to combined water and sewer rates for 2026, which works out to about $5.24 more per month for an average household. That money will help pay for major projects like expanding the Whitby Water Supply Plant.
Regional Chair John Henry said continued investment is crucial. “Safe drinking water and the protection of our water environment are essential to daily life,” Henry said. “Continued investment in these efficient and effective Regional services ensures we deliver safe, reliable, and financially sustainable solutions for our residents and growing communities as mandated by the Province of Ontario in the Clean Water Act.”
Stellar Drive, also known as Regional Road 25, is an east-west connector between Thickson Road and Thornton Road South. It runs through an area that’s seeing a lot of new construction, which is why the region is getting water and sewer services ready now.
