Construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Downtown Loop will keep an intersection in the core closed until late fall.
As of Monday, the intersection of King and Clarence streets will be closed to all vehicles.
A temporary crossing has been set up for cyclists and pedestrians travelling north and south on Clarence. The city asks that cyclists dismount when crossing for the time being.
Signage has been installed to help direct road users around the closure safely.
Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the work and drivers will still be able to park in nearby lots including the garage below Citi Plaza, as well as streets north and south of the construction zone.
"To reach Citi Plaza and the Central Library parking garage, drivers must use the Wellington Street entrance. Additional “park & pick-up” locations have also been recently added downtown for customers and deliveries," the city said in a statement.
The $28.5 million Downtown Loop will see dedicated bus-only lanes added to four streets that frame the downtown - King Street, Wellington Street, Queens Avenue, and Ridout Street.
Work on the loop began earlier this year and is expected to take three years to complete. The areas of King Street currently undergoing construction will continue to shift throughout the year, with one lane of traffic being maintained between Ridout and Talbot streets. Work on King Street between Talbot and Richmond streets is nearing completion with just some finishing touches remaining, according to the city.
All through traffic, including public transit, is being detoured onto York Street. Drivers are being told to expect delays during the construction and should give themselves extra time when travelling through the area.
The King and Clarence intersection isn't expected to reopen until sometime in October.
Beginning today, the intersection of King and Clarence Streets will be closed until approximately late fall for construction of the Downtown Loop.
— City of London (@CityofLdnOnt) August 9, 2021
Pedestrian and bike access is being maintained. Businesses remain open during construction.#LdnOnt #BikeLdnOnt pic.twitter.com/gdCaLeA4R6
