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 2022, with planned carry-over work in 2023.
Phase 3 of the Downtown Loop construction is anticipated to begin in late March / early April 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
Phase 2 of the Downtown Loop was built in 2022 on Queens Avenue and Ridout Street North, with some planned carry-over work in 2023.
Traffic conditions, detour and access:
- Queens Avenue between Wellington Street and Richmond Street, including the Clarence intersection:
- What: Full closure. Destinations in the Clarence to Richmond block of Queens Avenue can be accessed via Richmond Street, as a temporary two-way traffic configuration is in place to support local access to businesses and properties
- When: March 2023 until approximately summer 2023
- Where: Queens Avenue between Wellington Street and Richmond Street, including the Clarence intersection
- Why: For construction of the Downtown Loop Phase 2 project
- Queens Avenue between Richmond Street and Ridout Street North, and Ridout Street North from Fullarton Street to King Street:
- What: Road open with lane restrictions and delays
- When: Ongoing until approximately mid-summer
- Where: Queens Avenue between Richmond Street and Ridout Street North, including the Talbot intersection. Ridout Street North from Fullarton Street to King Street.
- Why: For installation of permanent traffic signals and streetlights, landscape work, asphalt, concrete and other finishing touches for the Downtown Loop Phase 2 project.
During construction on Queens Avenue, all buses normally operating on Queens Avenue will be detoured to Dufferin Avenue. Transit users are advised to visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information about route changes and detours.
Above: A map of upcoming and current traffic restrictions downtown and best detour routes. (Last update: March 29, 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.
If you're not directly impacted by construction, but still wish to receive email updates, sign-up by clicking here.
