Wellington Gateway (Rapid Transit)

About this project

The Wellington Gateway project is one of three rapid transit projects moving forward in London, with the goal of increasing the frequency and reliability of transit on this important corridor, where rapid transit buses will be travelling in dedicated lanes to help ease traffic flow on Wellington Road.

The project aims to revitalize approximately 6 km of roadway between Downtown and Highway 401, widening Wellington Road/Street to add continuous transit-only lanes.

Once complete, the Wellington Gateway project will provide opportunities to strengthen connections with neighbouring municipalities and improve transit to south London’s industrial employment areas through a transit hub by White Oaks Mall and a proposed park-and-ride near Highway 401. The remaining phases of the Wellington Gateway project are expected to be constructed between 2024 and 2027.

The full Wellington Gateway project will:

• improve safety for all road users, including through the re-alignment of the S-curve located on Wellington Road, south of Bond Street
• add multi-use active transportation paths along the corridor
• install new traffic systems that include transit signal priority, sensors and video to reduce intersection delays
• add new streetscape elements above ground, while repairing and replacing aging sewers, watermain and other underground infrastructure.

The Wellington Gateway is one of 10 transit and transit-supportive local projects that received funding commitments from the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario. The other two rapid transit projects moving forward are the Downtown Loop project and the East London Link project.

Centre-median

For both curbside and centre-running configurations, rapid transit corridors require a centre-median to maintain safe, frequent, and reliable transit operations. As a result, left-turning movements will be restricted to signalized intersections, therefore, driveways and unsignalized side streets will change to right-in/out access.

This change may require local businesses to alter their delivery and/or access routes to and from Wellington Road.

Construction update: Wellington Gateway Phase 3 and Phase 4

Starting Monday, July 15 construction begins for both Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the Wellington Gateway rapid transit project, requiring lane restrictions along Wellington Road between Wilkins Street and Harlech Gate.

Construction will be completed in stages to allow the project to progress while maintaining road access to businesses and properties within the construction zones.

Subject to weather and project needs, the first stage of construction will begin on the east side of Wellington Road between Wilkins Street and Exeter Road in 2024.

Stages 2 and 3 are planned for construction in 2025, followed by Stage 4 in 2026, which will include the installation of bus platforms and centre medians, as well as surface asphalt, pavement markings, road line painting and other landscaping enhancements.

Map of the approximate limits of Phase 3 construction: Wellington Road from Wilkins Street to Harlech Gate.

Map of the approximate limits of Phase 4 construction: Wellington Road from Harlech Gate.to Exeter Road.

Recording of Phase 3 pre-construction webinar

Recording of Phase 4 pre-construction webinar

If you have any questions related to your business or property during construction, please reach out to the project team directly using the contact information on this page.

Design overview: Wellington Gateway Phases 3 & 4

Project limits:

• Wellington Gateway Phase 3: Wellington Road from Wilkins Street to Harlech Gate
• Wellington Gateway Phase 4: Wellington Road from Harlech Gate to the Wellington Commons entrance

Above: Map of the construction limits Wellington Gateway Phases 3 and 4.

Above: A conceptual rendering of the proposed design of the Wellington Gateway Phase 4 project by White Oaks Mall.

Construction update: Clark's Bridge (Wellington Bridge) Widening

Construction began in April 2024 and will continue through 2025, with some finishing work in 2026.

Traffic impacts:

Lane restrictions are in place for northbound and southbound travel for the duration of the project (2024/2025). Left-turns are also restricted to signalized intersections. Please expect delays through this section of Wellington Road.

Local businesses remain open and accessible during construction.

Access to the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP)

This section of the TVP will be closed during construction to complete improvements to the bridge safely and as efficiently as possible. A signed detour will be in place to help guide people walking and biking around the path closure and connecting to the TVP just north of the bridge.

Above: A map of the TVP closure and detour during construction.

Construction schedule and staging:

Construction along Clark’s Bridge will be completed in stages to allow the project to progress while maintaining road access as well as connections to the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP). The first stage of the project will start on the east side of the bridge, requiring lane restrictions along the project area. Stage 1 of the project will also include works at the Watson Park parking lot on Front Street as well as Grand Avenue East. Weather permitting, work may continue over the winter months to progress the project before Stage 2 and other remaining stages begin in 2025 to complete the bridge rehabilitation and road reconstruction.

Above: A map of the anticipated construction stages for the Clark's Bridge Widening.

Recording of the pre-construction webinar for the Clark's Bridge Widening

Thank you for joining us virtually on Wednesday, March 27 to learn more about the project and what to expect during construction.

Design Overview: Clark's Bridge Widening Project

Above: Map of the approximate project area.

Construction update: Wellington Gateway Phase 1

Phase 1 construction was completed in 2023, with some planned finishing work in 2024, requiring lane restrictions between York Street and just north of the Thames River, until approximately Fall 2024.

Detour and access:
Wellington Street is open with delays and restrictions. Drivers travelling northbound and southbound along this section of Wellington Street are being channeled through one lane of traffic in each direction. Warning signs will be installed to help guide traffic through the construction zone.

Drivers looking to access Wellington Street are encouraged to use Grey Street for westbound access and can use South Street for eastbound travel off Wellington Street.

Businesses remain open and accessible throughout construction.

Transit impacts:

Some bus routes may be impacted during construction. Transit riders are advised to visit the LTC website for the most up-to-date information about detours and service updates.

Pedestrian and bike access:

Sidewalk access will be maintained on at least one side of the road during construction. Pedestrians are advised to follow signs to navigate the construction zone safely and are encouraged to use nearby streets to reach their destinations.

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.

Rapid transit bus shelter

London's first rapid transit shelter is being installed at the new northbound Ontario Street station at King Street.

The shelter structures will take most of the week to set up, followed by installation of the electrical, lighting, and other amenities over the following weeks.

To learn more, please visit london.ca/rtshelters

Above: A photo of the installation of the first rapid transit shelter at Ontario Street and King Street.

Stay connected

The City is committed to keeping you informed during planning and construction. Sign up here for email updates on the project.

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The personal information collected on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and will be used by the City of London and project partners to contact you in relation to the Downtown Loop.

Questions about this collection should be addressed to Manager, Public Engagement, Major Projects, City of London at 251 Dundas Street, London, ON N6A 4L9. Tel: 519-930-3518, email: wellingtongateway@london.ca.