Temporary lane restrictions are currently in effect on Wellington Street between Queens Avenue and Dufferin Avenue as crews begin restoration work on the People and the City Monument at the Wellington Street median, just north of Queens Avenue. Reduced lanes surrounding this work will be in place until approximately late summer.
Drivers travelling north and south on Wellington Street should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible to avoid road restrictions and construction of the East London Link near the King and Wellington intersection. Construction began this week in the west half of the Wellington to Waterloo block of King Street, as part of the continued work for this project.
Motorists can plan ahead using a web site such as Waze or Google Maps.
North-south pedestrian access will be maintained on at least one side of the intersection throughout the work. Cyclists are encouraged to use the Dundas Street Bikeway, where new cycling connections are available for east-west cycling through the core.
Businesses remain open and customers can take advantage of two-hour free parking at municipal lots and designated on-street parking locations by using the Honk app and entering promo code ‘CORE’. “Park and pick-up locations” are also available downtown for quick food and parcel pick-ups.
Above: A map showing the lane reductions on Wellington Street between Queens Avenue, Dufferin Avenue and King Street.
Renew Link: https://maps.london.ca/renewlondon?id=46004
About the restoration
The People and the City Monument pays tribute to many people who have helped shape London, from Indigenous peoples and early settlers to 19th and 20th century religious leaders, politicians, educators, philanthropists, and artists.
Necessary repairs to the People and the City Monument include the replacement of the existing limestone base with a more durable granite stone that will preserve the monument. The limestone base has continued to deteriorate due to weathering, despite annual conservation by the City.
Crews are currently measuring the limestone base to prepare for its replacement. The base was created with complex geometry similar to a jigsaw puzzle and is not one piece that is easily movable.
Public art and monuments celebrate and honour London’s culture, history, people, events, and locations, while enhancing economic vibrancy. The City works to restore and maintain its cultural assets that tell the story of London.