Construction of the bus rapid transit Downtown Loop and East London Link is creating more traffic woes for drivers.
Starting Monday, Ridout Street North between Queens Avenue and King Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. The closure includes the intersection of Ridout and Dundas and will allow crews to install a new sewer system beneath the street.
Ridout between Dundas and King is expected to remain closed for the rest of the month, while the stretch from Queens to Dundas will stay shuttered for one month.
Detour signage has been put in place for drivers. Sidewalk access and pedestrian and cycling connections to Dundas Place will be maintained throughout the constructions. Cyclists are asked to dismount when crossing the closed intersection.
In addition to the Ridout closure, King Street between Clarence and Wellington streets is being closed for approximately two months as work on the East London Link progresses. This is to allow for "necessary" underground work, according to the City of London.
Vehicles will be detoured along York Street and temporary two-way traffic will be allowed on King for drivers entering or exiting the Citi Plaza parking garage.
"Many downtown routes remain open and access to all businesses and residences is being maintained. However, Londoners are advised to plan ahead and leave plenty of time to reach downtown destinations, since construction will impact some routes," the city said in a statement.
Work is also getting underway on Monday at the intersection of Adelaide Street North and King Street. That is part of the Phase 1 East London Link construction that began earlier this year between Adelaide Street North and Lyle Street. There are ongoing lane reductions to be aware of in that spot as well. Cyclists traveling through the area are encouraged to use the new east-west cycling connection on Dundas Street. Those heading south or north will need to find an alternate route, the city added.
Businesses in the area will remain open throughout the construction, which is expected to last for approximately two months.
