Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bre-Ex Construction Inc. has kicked off work on the last big phase of London’s Wellington Gateway Rapid Transit project under a $50.4-million deal with the City of London.
Phase 2B began on Aug. 31 and involves Wellington Road from Watson Street to just south of Base Line Road East. Bre-Ex was awarded the contract after offering the lowest bid out of four, totaling $50,416,071.33 before HST.
This final phase will widen Wellington Road, add two center-running rapid transit lanes, build new transit stations, and upgrade underground infrastructure.
The city notes that Phase 2B represents the last major construction segment of the Wellington Gateway project. Work is projected to carry on through 2029, with some finishing touches extending into 2030.
Crews have started mobilizing in the Phase 2B area, which includes temporary roadwork and traffic control setups. One lane in each direction is closed between Frank Place and Wellington Court as construction progresses.
Enbridge Gas is also moving gas infrastructure to support this project, so occasional lane closures should be expected during that process.
Wellington Road will stay open throughout construction, maintaining at least one lane in each direction. Traffic patterns will change as crews move through various sections of the project.
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During 2026 and 2027, work will focus north of Whetter Avenue before shifting south toward Base Line Road East later in 2027.
The scope for Phase 2B includes a new concrete center median, center-running rapid transit lanes, and new transit stops at Bond Street, Base Line Road East, and Commissioners Road East. The project also entails upgrades to underground infrastructure along with improvements for active transportation and modifications to traffic systems.
Access to Victoria Hospital and local businesses along Wellington Road will be preserved throughout construction. Pedestrian access will be available on at least one side of the road, with coordination between the city and hospital ensuring emergency service access remains intact.
The Phase 2B contract follows other significant construction segments along the Wellington Gateway corridor.
Clark’s Bridge between Grand Avenue and South Street has been expanded to include two traffic lanes along with dedicated transit lanes and a multi-use path. Bre-Ex was also responsible for this Clark’s Bridge phase that reached substantial completion in August.
Phase 3 between Wilkins Street and Harlech Gate is close to completion; paving work is underway alongside center-running transit lanes, transit shelters, and traffic signals being put into place.
Phase 4 between Harlech Gate and the entrance to Wellington Commons is also nearing its end; underground infrastructure work has been finished while crews are busy working on transit stations, traffic signals, a multi-use path, landscaping efforts, asphalt application, and marking for transit lanes.
Simultaneously proceeding is Phase 2A between Wilkins Street and Base Line Road East focusing on underground infrastructure improvements alongside road widening needed for center-running rapid transit lanes.
The entire Wellington Gateway aims to enhance around six kilometers of roadway from downtown London out to Highway 401; it includes dedicated transit lanes as well as improved connections for active transportation plus upgraded underground utilities along with a park-and-ride facility near Highway 401.
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