Beginning Monday, May 16, as construction of the Downtown Loop and East London Link progresses downtown, some new traffic changes will be in effect:
- Ridout Street North between Queens Avenue and King Street will be experiencing some restrictions and closures, including:
- The intersection of Ridout Street North and Dundas Street will be fully closed to vehicle traffic for approximately two weeks. During the closure, Ridout Street North will be closed from Dundas Street to King Street.
- North of there, Ridout Street North will be closed between Queens Avenue and Dundas Street for approximately one month.
- King Street will be closed between Clarence Street and Wellington Street for approximately two months.
During this record year for construction, the City is striving to minimize the duration of impacts and complete the work as efficiently as possible.
Many downtown routes remain open and access to all businesses and residences is being maintained. However, Londoners are advised to plan ahead and leave plenty of time to reach downtown destinations, since construction will impact some routes.
Businesses remain open during construction and customers can take advantage of two-hour free parking at municipal lots and designated on-street parking locations.
Above: A map of upcoming traffic changes on Queens Avenue, Ridout Street North, and King Street starting Monday, May 16.
Ridout Street impacts between Dundas and King Streets, including full intersection closure
As crews install a new sewer beneath Ridout Street North, the Dundas Street and Ridout Street North intersection will be fully closed, likely until the end of May. During this time, Ridout Street North will also be closed between Dundas and King Streets.
- Sidewalk access will be maintained for pedestrians in the area.
- Road closure signs will be installed near Wharncliffe Road North and Riverside Drive to advise drivers of the intersection closure, and a signed detour will be in place for motorists via Wharncliffe Road North to Stanley Street / York Street.
- Local traffic will be permitted on Riverside Drive between Wharncliffe Road North and Dundas Street to allow access to Labatt Park, Harris Park and Museum London, as well as Blackfriars neighbourhood.
- Pedestrian and cycling connections to Dundas Place will be maintained, and cyclists are asked to dismount when crossing the intersection. Cyclists and pedestrians are advised to use caution when navigating the closure and follow signs to reach Dundas Place.
- Current 24-hour drilling at Ridout Street North and Queens Avenue is expected to continue through the weekend to complete the work as efficiently as possible.
Ridout Street North closure between Queens Avenue and Dundas Street
Ridout Street North between Queens Avenue and Dundas Street will be closed until approximately mid-June.
- During this time, drivers travelling westbound on Queens Avenue must use Richmond Street, Talbot Street and Wharncliffe Road North to reach destinations on Dundas Place, King Street and York Street.
- One westbound lane will continue to be open on Queens Avenue between Talbot and Ridout Streets for drivers to exit downtown via Wharncliffe Road North.
- Temporary sidewalk closures and restrictions may be required while crews complete necessary underground work for the new sewers.
East London Link: King Street closure between Clarence and Wellington Streets
King Street will be closed for approximately two months between Clarence and Wellington Streets, so crews can complete necessary underground work in the King and Wellington Street intersection.
- Vehicles will be detoured along York Street.
- Temporary two-way traffic will be in place on King Street between Clarence and Wellington Streets to allow access in and out of the Citi Plaza parking garage. Signage will advise drivers and pedestrians of the temporary two-way traffic.
- Sidewalk access will be maintained on King Street between Clarence and Wellington Streets.
- Right turn restrictions have been temporarily lifted on King Street at Talbot Street and Richmond Street to support traffic flow downtown during construction.
Above: A map of the King Street closure between Clarence and Wellington Streets beginning Monday, May 16.
Transit users are advised to visit the LTC website for service updates and detours.