Whether it's your child’s first day of kindergarten or your first day of university or college, London will see thousands of students heading back to classrooms this week.
We know navigating road construction can be challenging, and this is a very busy year with a major focus in the Core Area and other hot spots across the city. We’ve provided some tips and information, so Londoners can navigate around construction zones safely.
“We’re excited to welcome students back and as we all get used to a new routine and things begin to feel a bit busier, we encourage parents, teachers and everyone commuting to plan ahead,” says Jennie Dann, Director of Construction and Infrastructure Services. “We want to thank Londoners for their patience as we get all this essential work done.”
There are about 50 construction projects currently underway, requiring restrictions along several arterial and local roads. These projects are key to supporting our growing population, making sure London is sustainable and ready for the future, and making it safer for people no matter how they choose to get around.
In Old East Village, Quebec Street will be reopening from Dundas Street to just north of Mornington Avenue in mid-September. Other local road projects will soon be completed, which will take some of the pressure off school routes.
This week, Queens Avenue will reopen from Wellington Street to Richmond Street easing westbound travel downtown. Some sporadic localized restrictions will be required over the next few weeks to clean up the site and complete landscaping and other miscellaneous work.
At a glance – Major projects underway
- Adelaide Street North Underpass: Lane restrictions and sporadic closures along Adelaide Street North between Elias Street and McMahen Street, as well as Central Avenue from William Street to Elizabeth Street: https://getinvolved.london.ca/adelaide
- Downtown Loop: Lane restrictions on Wellington Street from Queens Avenue to York Street: https://getinvolved.london.ca/downtownloop
- Wellington Gateway: Channelled lanes through Wellington Street between York Street to Thames River: https://getinvolved.london.ca/wellingtongateway
- Fanshawe Park and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements: Channelled lanes along Richmond Street between North Centre Road and Jacksway Crescent: https://getinvolved.london.ca/fanshaweandrichmond
- Southdale Roundabout: Colonel Talbot Road is fully closed in both directions, just north of the Southdale intersection. South of the intersection, the road is open with restrictions between Southdale Road and Pack Road: https://getinvolved.london.ca/southdaleroundabout
- Victoria Bridge Replacement: Full closure in place at Ridout Street between Horton Street East and Ingleside Place: https://getinvolved.london.ca/victoriabridge
- East London Link: Full closure at King Street between Lyle Street and Ontario Street; Lyle Street and Ontario Street between Dundas Street and King Street; Dundas Street from Ontario Street to Quebec Street: https://getinvolved.london.ca/eastlondonlink
- Platt’s Lane Infrastructure Renewal: Platt’s Lane is fully closed between Cherryhill Place and Oxford Street West. Lane reductions are in place along Oxford Street West through the Platt’s Lane/Woodward Avenue intersection: https://getinvolved.london.ca/platts
To learn more about the top ten projects being constructed in London this year, please visit London.ca/topten.
Tips for people driving:
- Be kind to other fellow drivers who are getting used to a new routine and road conditions
- Plan ahead by using navigation apps such as Waze or Google Maps
- Consider using other modes of transportation, such as walking and biking when possible
- Use alternative routes when possible to reach your destination
- Zipper merge is the most efficient way to use the road when approaching lane reductions
- Slow down early and respect the speed limit, especially around construction zones, neighbourhoods and schools. Automated speed enforcement will continue to be implemented at school zones and community safety zones where the current speed limit is 40 km/h
- Be aware of new infrastructure, including protected bike lanes, traffic signals and other regulatory signs
- When driving next to protected bike lanes, watch for cyclists and yield when turning right at intersections
- Watch for students walking to school and wait until they completely cross the road before proceeding
- Consider travelling outside of peak hours or carpool – this is a great alternative to skip congestion around construction zones
Tips for people biking, walking and taking transit:
- Follow signs to navigate around construction zones safely
- Use nearby streets to avoid sidewalk and bike lane closures
- Be aware of uneven surfaces around construction zones, pavement markings and construction warning signs
- Use designated pedestrian crosswalks and signalized intersections to cross to the other side of the road
- Some LTC routes and stops may be impacted during construction. Visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information
Stay informed:
Here are some ways to stay informed about road closures and restrictions:
- Follow the City of London on social media
- Visit Renew London for road work and other construction projects
- Sign up to receive email updates on the projects that impact you https://getinvolved.london.ca/
- Visit https://london.ca/roadconstruction for road projects happening in 2023 and to view the top 10 projects to be constructed across the city this year