Starting on Monday, March 20, as construction begins for Phase 1 of the Wellington Gateway and Municipal Infrastructure Improvements project, lane restrictions will be in place on Wellington Street from York Street to just north of the Thames River (Clark’s Bridge), until approximately December 2023.
During this time, Wellington Street will be open with delays and restrictions. Motorists travelling northbound and southbound along this section of Wellington Street will be channelled through one lane of traffic in each direction.
Some restrictions will be in place at side streets during Wellington Street construction, including:
- Horton Street, Grey Street and South Street will experience channeled lanes through the Wellington Street intersection, and
- Hill Street and Simcoe Street will be closed on the east side of Wellington, restricting eastbound and westbound turning movements.
Drivers looking to access Wellington Street are encouraged to use Grey Street for westbound access and can use South Street for eastbound travel off Wellington Street.
Businesses remain open and accessible throughout construction.
Drivers are encouraged to use navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps to find alternative routes, including Richmond Street, Talbot Street, Wharncliffe Road and Waterloo Street to navigate around the construction area.
Warning signs will be installed to help guide traffic through the lane restrictions.
Some bus routes will be impacted during construction. Routes 13 and 90 will be detoured off Wellington Street at Grand Avenue and travel along Carfrae and Richmond Streets in both directions. Route 1 will continue to operate along Wellington Street, South Street and Colborne Street. Alternative stops will be arranged during construction as buses will not stop within the construction limits. Transit riders are advised to visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information about detours and service updates.
Sidewalk access will be maintained on at least one side of the road during construction. Pedestrians are advised to follow signs to navigate the construction zone safely and are encouraged to use nearby streets to reach their destinations.
Cyclists are encouraged to use Dundas Place where connections to the Dundas Bikeway and Dundas-TVP are available for east-west cycling through the core.
Renew Link: https://maps.london.ca/renewlondon?id=50573
Above: A map of the Wellington Gateway Phase 1 project limits where lane restrictions will begin on Monday, March 20 until approximately December 2023.
Other nearby restrictions:
Wellington Street, just north of the King Street intersection:
- Temporary lane restrictions are currently in place at Wellington Street, just north of the King Street intersection to allow for utility relocation in preparation for construction of the Downtown Loop Phase 3 (rapid transit) project, until approximately Friday, March 31, 2023.
Queens Avenue between Wellington Street and Richmond Street:
- Construction for the Downtown Loop Phase 2 is underway on Queens Avenue between Wellington Street and Richmond Street, including the Clarence Street intersection, requiring a full closure. Parking, businesses and other destinations in the Clarence to Richmond block can be accessed through a temporary two-way traffic configuration via Richmond Street.
Above: A map of the current and upcoming road restrictions downtown and the suggested cycling route.
About the Wellington Gateway:
The Wellington Gateway is the third rapid transit project to be constructed in London with the goal of increasing the frequency and reliability of transit while improving traffic capacity.
The project will revitalize approximately 6 km of roadway between Downtown and Highway 401, widening Wellington Road/Street to build continuous transit-only lanes and adding new streetscape elements as well as transportation improvements above ground, while repairing and replacing aging sewers, watermains and other underground infrastructure.
The project is expected to be constructed between 2023 and 2027.
Above: A map of the Wellington Gateway project limits and the approximate construction phasing.