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 while improving traffic capacity.

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

Through a transit hub by White Oaks Mall and a proposed park-and-ride near Highway 401, the project will provide opportunities to strengthen connections with neighbouring municipalities and improve transit to south London's industrial employment areas.

The project is expected to be constructed between 2023 and 2027.

Construction update

Phase 1 of construction will begin on Monday, March 20, 2023, requiring lane restrictions between York Street and just north of the Thames River, until approximately December 2023.

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

Some restrictions will also be in place at side streets during Wellington Street construction, including:

Horton Street, Grey Street and South Street will experience channeled lanes through the Wellington Street intersection, and
Hill Street and Simcoe Street will be closed on the east side of Wellington, restricting eastbound and westbound turning movements.

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 will be impacted during construction. Routes 13 and 90 will be detoured off Wellington Street at Grand Avenue and travel along Carfrae and Richmond Streets in both directions. Route 1 will continue to operate along Wellington Street, South Street and Colborne Street. Alternative stops will be arranged during construction as buses will not stop within the construction limits. 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.

Pre-Construction meeting

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.

A rendering of Wellington Road south of Bradley, looking south, shows the continuous transit lanes and transit hub to be constructed near White Oaks Mall.

Key features of the Wellington Gateway project

Improved safety for all road users, including through the re-alignment of the S-curve located on Wellington Road, south of Bond Street
The addition of multi-use active transportation paths along the corridor
Installation of new traffic systems that include transit signal priority, sensors and video to reduce intersection delays
New streetscape elements will be added above ground, while the project repairs and replaces aging sewers, watermains and other infrastructure underground
Clark's Bridge (which crosses the Thames River between Grand Avenue and South Street) will be widened to accommodate two traffic lanes in each direction, two new transit-only lanes, and a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians

A rendering of Clark's Bridge on Wellington Road, looking north toward downtown. The bridge will be widened to include two transit-only lanes, four general traffic lanes and a new multi-use path.

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.

Map of Wellington Gateway project

The map below highlights the boundaries of the project, and indicates the approximate area where Phase 1 of construction is expected to begin in 2023.

Construction is expected to be completed in phases between 2023 and 2027, in order to minimize disruption. Ahead of each phase of construction, the City will host a meeting to share details and answer questions.

Map of Wellington Gateway project, indicating that the first phase of construction is scheduled to begin in 2023 on Wellington Street from approximately York Street to Wellington Street just north of the Thames River.

Stay connected

The City is committed to keeping you informed during planning and construction. To sign up for email updates on the project, click the buttons below.

If you will be impacted by construction of the Wellington Gateway:

(External link)

If you won't be directly impacted by construction but still wish to receive updates:

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.