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 2022, with planned carry-over work in 2023.

Phase 3 of the Downtown Loop construction began in April 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.

Pre-Construction webinar

View a recording of the pre-construction webinar hosted on Thursday, March 2, 2023, which outlined plans for construction, including impacts to property owners, businesses and residents, anticipated traffic changes, and how to stay informed during construction.

Downtown Loop Phase 2 construction

Queens Avenue is now open to one-way traffic between Wellington Street and Richmond Street.

Over the next few weeks, some sporadic, localized lane restrictions will be required for landscaping and other miscellaneous work before crews completely leave the site, but drivers can now travel westbound along Queens Avenue all the way from Old East Village to Riverside Drive.

As part of this project, a new curbside bus-only lane was built on Queens Avenue from Wellington Street to Ridout Street North and along Ridout Street North between Queens Avenue and King Street to facilitate rapid transit operations. Pavement markings and signs will be installed to help drivers recognized the recently added bus-only lane. As a reminder, parking or stopping are not allowed on the new transit lane.

New sewers and other underground infrastructure has been replaced or fixed. Above ground, new streetscape elements including trees, streetlights, concrete sidewalks and traffic lights have been installed to beautify Queens Avenue.

Downtown Loop Phase 3 construction

Phase 3 of the Downtown Loop is being built in 2023 along Wellington Street from Queens Avenue to York Street.

Wellington Street is open with lane restrictions from Queens Avenue to the Thames River (Clark's Bridge) as construction for both Downtown Loop Phase 3 and Wellington Gateway is currently underway and will continue until approximately December 2023 with some planned carry-over work in 2024.

Above: A map of the current traffic restrictions downtown and best detour routes. (Last update: July 7, 2023)

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 Dufferin Avenue, York Street, Richmond Street and Talbot Street to access their destinations downtown. Wellington Street will remain open during construction with lane restrictions and delays.

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 Bikeway 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 and accessible open during construction.

Map of Downtown Loop Construction Phasing

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.