Downtown Loop (Rapid Transit)

About this project

The Downtown Loop is the first of London’s new rapid transit projects and includes curbside bus-only lanes and enhanced rapid transit stops. Phase 1 of the Downtown Loop was built in 2021 to add a new bus-only lane on King Street between Ridout and Wellington Streets.

Construction of Phase 2 (Queens Avenue and Ridout Street) started in March 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by December 2022, with some carry-over work in spring/summer 2023.

The final construction Phase of the Downtown Loop is planned for 2023 on Wellington Street between Queens Avenue and York Street.

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.

Map of Downtown Loop Construction Phasing

Downtown Loop Phase 2 construction

Downtown Loop Phase 2 will be constructed in four stages:

• Stage 1: Ridout Street North between north of Fullarton and King, and Queens Avenue from Talbot to Ridout
• Stage 2: Queens Avenue from Richmond to Talbot
• Stage 3: Queens Avenue between Wellington and Richmond
• Stage 4: Queens and Talbot intersection

Stage 1 of construction started in March 2022 and road closures and restrictions are expected to be in place for approximately four months.

Tips for getting around construction

It's a record year for construction, and with so many major projects happening in the core this summer, it's a good idea to plan ahead, and give yourself a bit more time as you head out the door. Here are some tips to help you navigate the construction areas whether you drive, bike, walk or take transit.

Drivers

Navigation

A great way to always know what's happening on the road is to visit the Renew London website, which has the latest information about the construction projects happening in the city, or use navigation tools such as Waze or Google Maps.

Getting downtown

While most roads downtown remain open throughout the construction season, there will be many shifting temporary closures and lane restrictions as crews work to complete these projects as efficiently as possible. Drivers are advised to use York Street, Richmond Street, Dufferin Avenue, Wharncliffe Road and Oxford Street to access their destinations downtown.

Dundas Place:

Temporary traffic diversions are in effect on Dundas Place. Large planters have been installed at both ends of Dundas Place (at the Dundas and Ridout intersection, and the Wellington and Dundas intersection), to support safety and mobility for all during construction.

To access Dundas Place, drivers must use Talbot, Richmond, and Clarence Streets instead of Ridout and Wellington. Vehicles can still exit Dundas Place at Wellington and Ridout Streets.

Parking

Access to nearby parking remains available during construction. Drivers can take advantage of two hours of complimentary parking at municipal lots and on-street locations by using the Honk app and entering promo code 'CORE'. " Park and pick-up locations" are also available downtown for quick food and parcel pickups.

Cyclists and pedestrians

Pedestrian and bike access will be maintained through downtown during construction. Cyclists are encouraged to use Dundas Place, where connections to the Dundas Cycle Track and Dundas-TVP are available for east-west cycling through the core. Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to follow signs in the area to navigate the construction zone.

If you're biking or walking downtown from the south end, a temporary bridge will be in place for cyclists and pedestrians during the Victoria Bridge replacement on Ridout Street next to Thames Park.

Transit

Core construction will bring temporary impacts to stops and routes. If you are taking transit, we encourage you to visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information about route changes and detours.

Access to local businesses

Businesses remain open during construction. Visit Downtown London for a list of local businesses downtown. Looking for events and things to do in the core? Visit https://london.ca/corearea. Access to Eldon House and Museum London remains available on Ridout Street.

About bus-only lanes

Bus-only lanes separate buses from general traffic to help improve transit reliability and frequency, reduce congestion, and support mobility. A new transit lane was built on King Street between Ridout and Wellington Streets in 2021 as part of the Downtown Loop Phase 1 Project.

This year, the City is building the second phase of the Downtown Loop to install a new bus-only lane on Queens Avenue from Wellington Street to Ridout Street, and Ridout Street North between Fullarton and King Streets. Construction of the Downtown Loop Phase 2 is currently underway and is anticipated to last until December 2022, with some carry-over work in spring 2023.

Once built, London Transit buses will be travelling along King Street, Queens Avenue and Ridout Street downtown in a newly installed curbside bus-only lane, as frequently as every 90 seconds.

Parking, stopping and driving in bus-only lanes are not permitted. Designated bus-only lanes provide transit priority for rapid transit and local buses, and unrestricted access to emergency vehicles.

King Street Traffic Flow

Now that the bus-only lane on King Street has been built, new traffic changes and restrictions are in place for efficient, safer traffic operations.

Right-turns are now restricted on King Street at Talbot, Richmond and Wellington Streets. Regulatory signs have been installed in the area to alert drivers of the restrictions.

To learn more about bus-only lanes and how to differentiate them from other traffic lanes, please visit london.ca/buslanes.

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Stay connected

If you wish to receive email updates from the City of London regarding this project, you can sign-up by using the form below.

Are you impacted by the Downtown Loop construction? Click here to sign-up.(External link)

If you're not directly impacted by construction, but still wish to receive email updates, sign-up by clicking here.