Downtown Loop

The Downtown Loop will run buses along Queens Avenue, King Street, Ridout Street North 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. 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

In 2021, the City of London constructed Phase 1 of the Downtown Loop on King Street and Phase 2 was built in 2022 on Queens Avenue, with some planned carry-over work in 2023, which will begin as early as March 1 (weather permitting). Phase 3 of the Downtown Loop - the final  phase of the project - is scheduled for construction in 2023 and is anticipated to begin in March 2023.

This project has received funding commitments from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to support 10 transit and transit-supportive projects.

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Downtown Loop rendering

The location

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Downtown Loop construction phasing map

The work

 This project will include:

  • the addition of new rapid transit stops 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
  • New curbside bus-only lanes
  • road construction and boulevard enhancements
  • new street lights and traffic signal upgrades
  • repair and replacement of aging water main and storm and sanitary sewers

The benefits

Construction will result in:

  • curbside bus lanes with left-turn priority signal to improve traffic capacity and safety
  • new sewers and watermains to accommodate future growth
  • safer cycling routes on Dundas Place

Project updates

Update on plans for Phase 3 construction

September 2020 project update

July 2020 project update

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Frequently asked questions
What will the Downtown Loop look like when complete?

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 Ridout Street.

Information for property owners
I own a property in the construction zone. Will the City require access to my building?

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.

Will the City replace sewer pipes or water service coming into my building?

The City is currently reviewing where services will need to be replaced from the main sewer or watermain into buildings.

 

Information about construction
What should I expect during construction?
  • pedestrian traffic and access to businesses will be maintained
  • traffic restrictions may include full road closures,  lane restrictions or temporary reconfiguration of the road to support construction operations and access to properties and businesses. 
  • emergency access will be maintained at all times
  • a contractor will assist with garbage pickup and deliveries
  • there may be short-term disruption to water service when watermains or services are being replaced, or short-term disruption to sewer service where sewers or services are being replaced
  • the use of heavy equipment during construction may cause dust and vibration
How will public transit be impacted during construction?

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.

If the loading zone I use will be impacted during construction, how will I receive deliveries?

The City will meet with businesses one-on-one throughout 2020 to discuss your specific needs and measures required to maintain deliveries.

How will pedestrian traffic and access be maintained during construction?

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.

Will bicycle traffic be maintained during construction?

The City will provide detour routes for bicycle traffic. Bicycles will not be allowed to use temporary sidewalks.

How will my employees and I access my driveway/parking during construction?

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.

Will there be sewer or water service disruptions during construction, and how long will they typically last?

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.

When will sewer or water shut downs be scheduled?

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.

 

Information about permanent changes to transportation and access
How will parking be impacted by the project?

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.

Are business loading zones changing permanently as part of the 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.

Are signalized pedestrian crossings being considered in the design?

No separate dedicated pedestrian crossings will be implemented as part of this project. Pedestrians will continue to cross at signalized intersections.

What cycling facilities are included in the design?

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.

 

 

 

Project Timeline

April 2021: Start of Phase 1 of Construction

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.)

March 2022: Start of Phase 2 of Construction

Phase 2 of Downtown Loop construction on Queens Avenue, from Wellington Street to Ridout Street North, and Ridout Street North between Fullarton Street and King Street was built in 2022, with some planned carry-over work in 2023. 

March 2023: Start of Phase 3 of Construction

Phase 3 of the Downtown Loop include Wellington Street between Queens Avenue and York Street. Construction of this phase is planned to begin in March 2023.

Last modified:Thursday, February 16, 2023