Londoners whose daily commute takes them through parts of the downtown core will have to make some adjustments starting Monday.
The City of London announced that the Downtown Loop Phase 2 will begin Monday and is expected to be completed by December 2022, with some carry-over work for spring 2023.
Areas with traffic restrictions in place include:
• Ridout Street North between Fullarton Street and Queens Avenue will be closed to all road users.
• Queens Avenue from Talbot Street to Ridout Street, and Ridout Street North between Queens Avenue and King Street will have temporary lane restrictions.
• Dundas Place will have temporary traffic diversions.
During construction, traffic will be detoured to Dufferin Avenue and York Street. City buses will continue on Queens Avenue, but some routes may be detoured to nearby streets. Transit users are advised to check the LTC website to see if their route is effected.
This map shows the location of the Downtown Loop’s construction area on Queens Avenue and Ridout Street beginning March 28, 2022. (Infographic via City of London.)
Additionally, Motorists will not be able to enter Dundas Place at Ridout Street or Wellington Street. Instead, they will have access to Dundas Place from Talbot, Richmond, and Clarence streets. Vehicles will still be able to exit Dundas Place at Ridout and Wellington streets.
Areas along Queens Avenue undergoing construction will shift as work progresses easterly this year. Work on the stages located between Talbot Street and Wellington Street will also require closures and restrictions in the months ahead.
Drivers can take advantage of two hours of complimentary parking at municipal parking lots and on-street locations by using the Honk app and entering promo code 'CORE'.
A map graphic showing traffic diversions on Dundas Place to support safety and mobility for all during construction. (Infographic via City of London.)
The first phase of London's new rapid transit projects was built last year on King Street. Phase 2 includes adding a new bus-only lane on Queens Avenue and Ridout Street, upgrading aging watermains and sewers, new streetscape elements as well as transportation improvements.
During construction, some buses will continue running on Queens Avenue, while others may be detoured to nearby streets. Transit users are advised to visit the LTC website for the most up to date information about route changes and detours.
More information about the projects can be found on the city's website.