Drivers heading into and out of London's downtown are in for more long-term traffic delays and headaches.
The Clark's Bridge widening project officially begins on Monday, reducing lanes on Wellington Road from just north of the Thames River to Watson Street for the foreseeable future. The 46-year-old bridge is being widened as part of the Bus Rapid Transit Wellington Gateway initiative to accommodate travel demand and future rapid transit operations. It is anticipated the construction will run through 2024 and 2025.
While the work is completed, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on Wellington Road. Turn restrictions will also be put in place to help with the flow of traffic.
"Work will begin first on the east side of Wellington Road and traffic will use the west side of the road. As construction progresses in 2025, work will transition to the west side of Wellington Road and traffic will be flipped to the east side lanes," the city said.
While access to businesses and properties in the area will be maintained throughout the work, London Transit routes and stops along the corridor will be affected. Transit riders are encouraged to check the LTC website for the most up-to-date information.
The sidewalk will remain open on one side of the street during the construction and pedestrians are advised to follow signs to reach their destination.
For people who frequent Watson Park or use the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) there will be disappointment. Access to the park's parking lot at Front street, as well as the nearby section of the TVP will be closed for the duration of the work.
The Clark's Bridge widening has been identified as one of the city's top ten construction projects of the year. The work will extend the life of the bridge another 50 years and offer improvements to pedestrian and active transportation connections while enhancing the streetscape.
Drivers whose commutes regularly take them on Wellington have already spent a year dealing with lane restrictions. Further up from Clark's Bridge where Wellington Road becomes Wellington Street lane restrictions remain between York Street and Queens Avenue. That work is also to accommodate the Wellington Gateway.