Another record-breaking year for construction in London is wrapping up, following a season of transformational investments to build new roads, bridges and underpasses, while rehabilitating existing infrastructure to enhance safety and mobility.
The work planned in 2023 across the city included building new bus-only lanes for future rapid transit operations, a new two-lane roundabout, intersection improvements, enhancements to bike lanes and the active transportation network, and the installation of new traffic signals, lighting and other streetscape elements.
“This was another busy year for construction in London and all this work was necessary to continuing to support growth and development in our city. We want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while all these projects were underway – from businesses and residents directly impacted, and daily commuters to the crews on site working through all kinds of weather to complete these projects as efficiently as possible,” said Jennie Dann, Director of Construction and Infrastructure Services.
Many underground improvements were also made, including the construction and rehabilitation of sewers, watermains and other important infrastructure.
Most projects have been completed or will soon wrap up for the season, while some areas of the city will continue to experience traffic restrictions due to construction over the winter months.
Projects completed or wrapping up soon:
- Southdale Road and Colonel Talbot Road Roundabout
- Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street Intersection 2023 Improvements on Richmond Street
- Quebec Street Infrastructure Renewal
- Dingman Drive Improvements
- East London Link Phase 1 (King Street)
- East London Link Phase 2 (King Street, Dundas Street, Egerton Street)
- Downtown Loop Phase 2 (Queens Avenue)
- Wellington Gateway Phase 1 (Wellington Street from York Street to the Thames River)
- Construction at most neighbourhood roads
Some of these projects will have finishing touches such as surface paving, line painting, tree planting and landscaping work completed in the spring and summer of 2024.
Construction milestones reached this year
- A new two-lane roundabout was built to reconfigure the Southdale Road West and Colonel Talbot Road intersection, allowing the road to reopen more than three weeks ahead of schedule.
- The two new steel arches for the Victoria Bridge were lifted in place marking a successful operation for the reconstruction of the Victoria Bridge. The new concrete deck has been poured advancing the construction work for the project, which is planned for substantial completion and reopening of the area by late spring of 2024.
- Major excavation and road building for the Adelaide Underpass began this year and will continue over the winter months, aiming for substantial completion by summer of 2024.
- The first 1.4 kilometers of rapid transit lanes were painted red on both sides of King Street between Downtown and Old East Village in preparation for future transit operations.
- In neighbourhoods across the city, 40 local streets were reconstructed under the Infrastructure Renewal and Local Roads Reconstruction programs, upgrading infrastructure and improving our roads and sewers for Londoners.
Projects continuing over the winter months:
- Adelaide Street North Underpass
- Downtown Loop Phase 3 (Wellington Street from King Street to Queens Avenue)
- Victoria Bridge
Drivers are reminded to follow the temporary traffic signage and detour routes, and to obey the posted speed limits around construction zones.
Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to use nearby streets to reach their destination and follow signs to navigate the construction zones safely.
Some transit route changes may be necessary during construction, transit riders are encouraged to visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information.
Access will continue to be maintained to all businesses and properties during construction.
What to expect in 2024
Details about the 2024 construction season and London’s Renew Construction Program will be shared early in the spring. Some projects planned for construction in 2024 include:
- Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements – Phase 2 (Fanshawe Park Road between both legs of North Centre Road)
- Clark’s Bridge Widening (Wellington Road from just north of the Thames River to Watson Street)
- East London Link Phase 3 (Dundas Street and Highbury Avenue)
- Sunningdale Road and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements
Construction of the Downtown Loop Phase 3, Wellington Gateway, Adelaide Underpass and Victoria Bridge will also continue in 2024.
The City of London wants to thank Londoners for their patience and cooperation throughout this busy construction season.
Above: Lifting operation of the two new steel arches for the Victoria Bridge.
Above: South London’s new two-lane roundabout at Southdale Road and Colonel Talbot Road West
(Photo courtesy of J-AAR Excavating)
Above: The new roadway for the Adelaide Street North Underpass beneath the CPKC tracks.
Above: Aerial view of the new red bus-only lanes on both sides of King Street.