Record year for road construction ending but some projects to continue through winter

The busiest year for road construction ever is about to end, but colder temperatures will bring no reprieve for London drivers navigating around three mega-projects.

The busiest year for road construction ever is about to end, but colder temperatures will bring no reprieve for London drivers navigating around three mega-projects.

Work performed in 2023 included new bus-only lanes for the rapid transit project, a two-lane roundabout, intersection improvements, bike lane enhancements and other streetscape elements.

It probably comes as little surprise to drivers that 2023 was London’s busiest year for road construction ever — and city engineers say next year could top it.

“We are probably going to see another record year for construction next year,” said Director of Construction and Infrastructure Jennie Dann. “A lot of our rapid transit projects are starting to move out of the core, so it will feel a bit lighter around [the downtown core], but we still have some infrastructure planned around the edges.”

Among the major roadwork scheduled in 2024:

The arrival of freezing temperatures usually offers drivers a break from detours and lane reductions, but this winter work will continue on three of the biggest commuting headaches.

“We do try to get things buttoned up before the winter break and come back in the spring, but with some of the weather we’ve been seeing, we have an opportunity to push through, weather dependent,” explained Dann.