Starting next week, temporary traffic restrictions will be reinstated on Dundas Place at Wellington Street and Ridout Street as a construction mitigation to support Dundas Place as a gathering space for patios, entertainment and events, as well as an important east-west connection for cyclists and pedestrians. This temporary traffic diversion arrangement will be in place until November 2023.
Barriers will be installed at Ridout Street North and Wellington Street, restricting in-bound motor vehicle access at both ends of Dundas Place; however, drivers will still be able to exit Dundas Place at these locations. Drivers visiting Dundas Place destinations can use Talbot Street, Richmond Street, and Clarence Street when travelling from the south, and using Talbot Street and Richmond Street when coming from the north.
Cyclists and pedestrians will have unrestricted access to enter Dundas Place from all directions, including Wellington Street and Ridout Street North. Cyclists can continue to use the two general traffic lanes that are in place today for east-west connections.
This is the third year the traffic configuration is being implemented, as part of efforts to decrease the volume of motor vehicles using Dundas Place as an east/west route for crossing downtown during core construction. Decreasing the volume of cars during the summer months has been found to support comfort and safety of cyclists and pedestrians while contributing to better patio experiences on Dundas Place.
Above: A map graphic of the temporary traffic configuration on Dundas Place, including access points and parking.
Temporary park and pick-up zones continue to be available for customers and delivery drivers making quick parcel and food pickups. One-hour free parking is available at designated parking locations on Dundas Place.
Drivers travelling east and west through downtown are encouraged to use Dufferin Avenue and York Street as their main routes. Construction continues on Queens Avenue between Wellington Street and Richmond Street; however Queens Avenue is open from Richmond Street to Ridout Street North for exiting downtown to the west.
About Dundas Place
Dundas Place is a destination for shopping, dining, art and celebration. From Wellington Street to Ridout Street North, Dundas Place is a street shared by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. With extra wide sidewalks and no curbs, and parking spaces that can easily transform into patios, sidewalk sales or street performance space. For more information about Dundas Place, please visit https://london.ca/dundasplace.
Above: A planter and signage placed on Dundas Place at Wellington Street to divert entry from motor vehicles while allowing cyclists to enter