Blackfriars Bridge Long-Term Use Study

About this project

The City has conducted a study about the long-term use of Blackfriars Bridge. As part of this study, Western University’s Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEAL Lab) conducted a survey in 2022 involving nearly 1,200 responses about how the bridge is used. The survey involved feedback from neighbourhood residents, bridge users and included online responses and on-location surveys of pedestrians and cyclists. Resident feedback was also gathered through this webpage. The study also included an assessment of traffic conditions.

City staff will now be presenting a report with recommendations about the future use of the Blackfriars Bridge to City Council’s Civic Works Committee meeting on June 13, 2023.

The full staff report with recommendations is available to review online.

Potential options and preliminary recommendation

The long-term use assessment considered three potential options.

Option 1: Continue with the current bridge configuration providing one-way access access for people driving cars and two-way access for people walking and riding bikes.

Option 2: Dedicate the bridge to people walking and riding bikes during the warmer months from May 1 to October 31, and allow people driving cars to use the bridge from November to April annually.

Option 3: Permanently close the bridge to cars, providing exclusive use for people walking and riding bikes.

In consideration of the consultation and technical work, City staff are making a preliminary recommendation of Option 2 to prohibit car use of the bridge annually from May 1 to October 31, beginning in spring 2024. During these warmer months, the bridge would remain open for people walking and riding bikes. From November 1 to April 30 all road users, including people driving, would also be able to use the bridge.

Public Participation Meeting

The June 13 meeting includes a public participation component where Londoners can comment about the recommendations. You can speak directly to City Council’s Civic Works Committee at this public participation meeting. The public participation component is scheduled not to be heard before 12:05 pm. Learn more about how this works and how you can participate.

The June 13 Civic Works Committee meeting will also be available to livestream on the City of London’s YouTube channel.

Should you have any questions about the public participation process, please contact the City Clerk’s Office by email PPMClerks@london.ca or phone (519- 519-661-2489 ext. 7100).