Major Infrastructure Upgrades Begin in London

Construction season is picking up in London as several big infrastructure and rapid transit projects kicked off Monday.

Workers are set to start new phases on projects impacting Dundas Street, Wellington Road, and York Street, which will lead to road closures, lane restrictions, and transit detours in some of London’s busiest areas.

“Drivers should follow posted signs and use detour routes to get around construction,” the City of London said in a news release. “People travelling through the area are advised to drive with caution, allow extra time and plan ahead.”

This work is part of a larger initiative aimed at expanding London’s rapid transit system while updating aging underground infrastructure like sewers and watermains underneath key roads.

East London Link work starts on Dundas

A significant impact will be felt along Dundas Street in east London, where construction is starting for the next phase of the East London Link project.

Dundas Street between Mc Cormick Boulevard and Highbury Avenue North will experience closures and limited access as crews replace underground infrastructure, upgrade traffic signals, and rebuild the roadway.

Construction crews work along Dundas Street near Highbury Avenue North in east London as part of the East London Link rapid transit project, which includes roadway reconstruction and upgrades to underground infrastructure. (Josiane N’tchoreret-Mbiamany/CBC)

Bicycle lanes and sidewalks will also see changes, with transit detours active during construction.

This effort is part of a multi-year project aiming to reconstruct over six kilometres of roadway between downtown London and Fanshawe College, enhancing transit options while updating old sewer and water systems along the route.

The construction on this section is expected to last until late October.

Wellington Gateway moves into next phase

Early work is now beginning on Phase 2 of the Wellington Gateway project

This project aims to boost transit reliability along one of London’s busiest north-south routes by adding dedicated rapid transit lanes and new stops for public transport.

Phase 2 will be developed in two parts, starting with Phase 2A that covers Wellington Road from Wilkins Street to Base Line Road East.

Construction equipment sits along Wellington Road near Wilkins Street in London as early work begins on Phase 2A of the Wellington Gateway rapid transit project. (Josiane N’tchoreret-Mbiamany/CBC)

The initial stage will focus on putting up temporary traffic signals and prepping the corridor for major reconstruction that’s planned for later this spring. Lane restrictions are expected near major intersections during this time.

The construction for Phase 2A should continue until December 1, 2026.

Phase 2B plans to extend north from Base Line Road East toward Watson Street later in 2026.

Sewer improvements close part of York Street

Downtown drivers might also see disruptions along York Street between Wellington Street and Colborne Street due to ongoing sewer separation work.

This project involves replacing sewers, upgrading watermains, and reconstructing roads; it has closed this stretch to through traffic while workers aim to increase sewer capacity within the downtown area.

The construction on York Street is expected to carry on until late June.A road closed sign blocks York Street near Wellington Street in downtown London as sewer separation work continues along the corridor. (Josiane N’tchoreret-Mbiamany/CBC)

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