Each year, the City of London takes on construction projects to support future development and city growth, protect the environment while encouraging more emissions-free travel, manage the infrastructure gap, and support all modes of transportation.
This year, the London’s Renew Construction Program is investing over $200 million to build new roads, bridges and underpasses and rehabilitate existing infrastructure, while installing new traffic signals to enhance safety and mobility.
“This is another busy year for construction in London as we are constructing a wide range of projects, including new roads, bridges, roundabouts, pathways and bus and bike lanes. 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 to get around – no matter how they travel,” Jennie Dann, Director of Construction and Infrastructure Services said.
“It’s also another year of major projects in the core area and our top priorities are supporting businesses and residents throughout construction, and making sure Londoners know how to reach work, home, and their favourite destinations in the core. By prioritizing three phases of rapid transit in the core area – Downtown Loop Phase 3, East London Link Phase 2 and Wellington Gateway Phase 1 – the City is aiming to have much less construction downtown in 2024 and completing all the essential rapid transit work in the central business area by 2025.”
Beyond road work
The City will continue to focus on active transportation connections in 2023, by expanding its cycling network and adding more pedestrian facilities and multi-use pathways.
Underground, new sewers will be installed to replace century-old infrastructure, improve resiliency to the effects of climate change, and support development and generations to come.
Top ten projects
London’s top ten construction projects are selected each year to provide an overview of the projects that have the largest benefits, impacts and scope of work. This year, the top ten list involve three rapid transit projects, the Adelaide Underpass; intersection improvements at Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street, and at Colonel Talbot and Southdale Road, and road improvements in other areas across the city. Visit london.ca/roadconstruction to learn more about the 2023 infrastructure projects and view an interactive story map of this year’s top ten projects.
By the numbers
The 2023 London’s Renew Construction Program aims to:
- reconstruct 80 lane-kilometres of road,
- add or replace 20 kilometres of sanitary and storm sewers,
- rebuild 12 kilometres of watermain, and
- construct 25 intersection improvements to enhance safety in growing areas.
Active transportation connections will be built to improve safety, connectivity and accessibility while supporting the Climate Emergency Action Plan. More than 16 kilometres of new bike lanes and 14 kilometres of new sidewalk will be added, and about 26 kilometres of existing sidewalk will be replaced.
Above: An illustration summarizing the 2023 infrastructure improvements.
Navigating construction
There is no better time to check if your commute will be impacted, whether you drive, bike, walk or take transit.
Tips for drivers
- Visit london.ca/roadwork for an interactive map of the current road work that may impact your drive.
- Plan ahead by using navigation apps, such as Waze or Google Maps to find alternative routes
- Follow the City of London on social media: @CityofLdnOnt
- Best routes to get to and from downtown: Richmond Street, York Street, Dufferin Avenue, Waterloo Street, Talbot Street, Colborne Street
- For information on City of London Municipal lots and on-street parking, visit the london.ca/parking-lot-information
Tips for transit riders:
- Plan your trip ahead and visit the LTC website for detour information and service updates
- Follow LTC on social media: @LTCLdnOnt
Tips for cyclists and pedestrians:
- Cyclists are encouraged to use Dundas Place and the Dundas Bikeway for east-west connections through the core area
- Pedestrians are encouraged to use nearby streets to avoid construction and follow signs to navigate the construction zones safely
All businesses remain open and accessible during construction. Visit london.ca/corearea to explore businesses, events, and information on how to get to the core area by car, bus, or bike.
For more information on current and upcoming construction projects, visit london.ca/roadconstruction.