Second phase of downtown loop construction now underway
CBC
Londoners are told to expect a number of traffic changes in the downtown area as construction on Phase 2 of the Bus Rapid Transit Downtown Loop starts Tuesday.
The loop is designed to create dedicated bus-only lanes along four streets that frame the downtown core: King, Wellington, Queens and Ridout. Work on the first phase started in Spring 2021.
Lane restrictions will begin on Queens Avenue between Richmond Street and Talbot Street on Tuesday, including the Talbot intersection, to allow for hydro work in the area. The restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks, city of London officials say.
Queens Avenue will be fully closed between Wellington Street and Richmond Street, including the Clarence Street intersection. The closures start Wednesday and last approximately until the summer.
Destinations in this block of Queens Avenue can be accessed via Richmond Street. A temporary two-way traffic configuration will be in place to support nearby businesses.
Drivers travelling westbound on Queens Avenue will be detoured to Dufferin Avenue and York Street for east-west connections while the closure is in place between Wellington Street and Richmond Street. Detour signs will be installed to help guide traffic, the city said.
The third phase of the Downtown Loop, as well as Phase 1 of the Wellington Gateway rapid transit project, are expected to begin in March 2023.
Temporary lane restrictions are currently in place at Wellington Street north of the King Street intersection to allow for utility relocation in preparation.
Periodic lane restrictions are currently in place at Wellington Street between Grey Street and Queens Avenue while crews install temporary traffic signals and street lights.
The city is encouraging cyclists to use the Dundas cycle track and Dundas Thames Valley Parkway for east-west cycling through the core.
All buses normally operating on Queens Avenue will be detoured to Dufferin Avenue during construction. Transit users can visit the London Transit website for the most up-to-date information about route changes and detours.
