Drivers heading into the downtown on Wellington Street can expect delays for the next month and a half.
Starting Monday, northbound lanes on Wellington just north of King Street will be reduced. City officials have said the lane restrictions are to allow crews to relocate utilities in the area in preparation for the construction of the bus rapid transit (BRT) downtown loop and Wellington Gateway.
"Drivers travelling northbound on Wellington Street are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible," City officials said in a statement. "Sidewalk restrictions will be in place throughout this work and pedestrians will be redirected through a temporary walkway on the east side of Wellington Street."
Throughout the work, London Transit's bus stop on Wellington, just south of Dundas Street will be closed. Riders taking transit routes 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 19 and 106 are being told to catch the bus at Queens Avenue and Clarence Street for the time being.
Businesses located in the construction area will be open while the work is being completed, the city has reassured.
The temporary lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until March 31.
Construction of the downtown loop is entering its third and final phase this March. Phase 1 of the project was built in 2021 on King Street between Ridout and Wellington Streets. Phase 2 happened between March and December of last year and saw many temporary intersection closures, lane restrictions and, at times, around-the-clock construction.
The Wellington gateway will be the third rapid transit corridor to be constructed in London adding dedicated bus lanes and enhanced transit stops to streets. It will be built in four phases between 2023 and 2027. Phase 1 will begin on Wellington Street between Queens Avenue and just north of the Thames River next month.
