The transformation of Dundas St. into the city's first flexible street is rolling ahead, with Londoners set to get their first glimpse of the new look on Wednesday.
The final design rendering for Dundas Place will be on display from 4pm to 7pm on the main floor of the Central branch of the London Public Library.
The project will see four blocks, from Ridout St. to Wellington St., transformed into a "flex street" that can be closed to vehicle traffic throughout the year for festivals and other special events.
"It will definitely look like no other street in London. It's going to be attractive unit pavers, there will be no curbs, nice planters. We are using the Thames River as a theme so we even have some unique seating that resembles river pebbles," said Doug MacRae, London's manager of transportation planning and design. "Drivers who are driving through are going to recognize that it's a distinct space and they will slow down, so that will make it more comfortable for cyclists."
MacRae also notes the design for Dundas Place, also known as the My Dundas project, will include larger pedestrian areas. Those spaces will allow restaurants and cafes to expand their patios. When vehicles are allowed on the street, poles will be put in place to create a safety barrier between the street and the sidewalk. Those poles would be easily removed when shifting the space into a car-free, pedestrian-only zone.
The city has approved $16-million for the transformation. The rest of the funds needed will be leveraged through private sector investments.
"The construction project is a big one. There is a lot of infrastructure renewal that is required regardless and this project is really leveraging the renewal that has to take place with the opportunity to create an updated streetscape," said MacRae. "On top of that, we also have several private utility companies that are coordinating their activities, minimizing the overall impact to Dundas St."
Construction is expected to begin next spring and is to be completed over two years in two phases. The city is working with the Downtown Business Improvement Association on a plan to help area businesses cope during the construction period.
