The Downtown Loop will run buses along Queens Avenue, King Street, Ridout Street, and Wellington Street. This project is the first of London’s new rapid transit projects and includes curbside bus-only lanes and enhanced rapid transit stops. Future phases of the Downtown Loop include Queens Avenue, Ridout Street North and Wellington Street. Construction of these future phases is planned for 2022–2023.
The project will add new streetscape elements as well as transportation and transit improvements above ground, while repairing and replacing aging sewers, watermains and other underground infrastructure
This project has received funding commitments from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to support 10 transit and transit-supportive projects.
This project will include:
Construction will result in:
Update on plans for Phase 1 construction
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The Downtown Loop will feature transit-only lanes as well as regular traffic lanes.
Buses will move in transit-only lanes, improving the efficiency of travel through the downtown core.
Rapid transit stops will be added on King Street at Wellington Street and Talbot Street; on Wellington Street at King Street; and on Queens Avenue at Clarence Street and Talbot Street.
The City of London, the Project Team and/or the designated contractor may require access on one or more occasions during design and construction. The purposes could include assessing existing services, installing water services, disconnecting existing/permanent water service, testing and installing the water meter, and replacing any utility connections that may be required.
Health and well-being is our top priority. We will ensure any required visits are compliant with all COVID-19 measures recommended by health officials. We will reach out to you before any visit to request your permission to enter, and to have a detailed discussion with you regarding the safest way to complete the visit. We will provide a clear description of the planned visit, answer any questions you may have and clearly communicate COVID-19 precautions being taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
The City is currently reviewing where services will need to be replaced from the main sewer or watermain into buildings.
During construction, local bus routes may be temporarily diverted and existing bus stops may be affected, but LTC will communicate any changes well in advance. During construction, the LTC website will be the best resource for the most current information on transit route changes.
The City will meet with businesses one-on-one throughout 2020 to discuss your specific needs and measures required to maintain deliveries.
The City recognizes that pedestrian access is critical. To keep pedestrians safe, ensure access to businesses and properties, and maintain a safe construction work zone, a tall fence will be installed around active construction areas. The fence will provide openings at strategic points to allow for safe pedestrian crossing. There will be a hard surface sidewalk between the building face and the construction fence, which will be maintained at all times unless immediate work at the building is required. Ramps will be provided for access when work is being completed beside doorways.
The City will provide detour routes for bicycle traffic. Bicycles will not be allowed to use temporary sidewalks.
The City will work with businesses whose existing driveways or parking lots will be impacted by construction to discuss specific needs to maintain access and parking or to develop alternative arrangements. Any property owners who could have their access permanently impacted will be contacted directly by the Project Team.
There will be several planned shut downs to sewer/water service over the duration of this project. Planned shut downs typically last four to six hours.
The City, the Project Team, and the contractor will coordinate any shut downs at a time that will cause the least amount of disruption to businesses. This may mean construction activities will occur outside regular business hours when possible. A minimum of 48 hours advance notice will be provided for all planned service shut downs. Emergency shut downs may occur, however, all attempts will be made to notify impacted businesses at least 24 hours in advance.
Transit only lanes will impact on-street parking. The Project Team will review options to mitigate on-street parking loss as part of the detailed design.
Some loading zones will be impacted. All impacted areas are consistent with what was identified during the Environmental Assessment.
The City recognizes that deliveries and loading are critical to successful business operations and will continue to engage with impacted business owners to find solutions to manage these critical functions.
No separate dedicated pedestrian crossings will be implemented as part of this project. Pedestrians will continue to cross at signalized intersections.
North- and south-bound cycle lanes are being implemented along Ridout Street, providing connection to the Thames Valley Parkway and Dundas Place, which will feed into the City’s east-west bikeway.
Phase 1 of Downtown Loop construction on King Street, from Ridout Street North to Wellington Street is anticipated to start in April 2021 and expected to finish in December 2021 (with limited spring 2022 carry-over work.)
Future phases of the Downtown Loop include Queens Avenue, Ridout Street North and Wellington Street. Construction of these future phases is planned for 2022–2023.