Construction has finally started on the first phase of the Downtown Loop of London's bus rapid transit system after more than seven years of planning and debate. The loop will create dedicated bus-only lanes along a series of four streets around the downtown core.
An article in the Ontario Construction News states that the first phase of the Downtown Loop will include the following:
- Upgrades to sewers and watermains between Richmond and Wellington Streets
- Creating curbside transit-only lanes
- Adding new traffic signals
- Adding street lights
The project is expected to cost $28.5 million plus underground work.
The East Link to connect downtown with Fanshawe College will start next year and the Wellington Gateway is expected to begin in 2023. Council rejected a plan to extend BRT routes north and west of the city.
Plans for an underground sewer renewal will replace a 100-year-old infrastructure and will support expected growth in the area.
The project has received funding commitments from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to support 10 transit and transit supportive projects.
Construction will include:
- Curbside bus lanes with left turn priority signal to improve traffic capacity and safety.
- Enhanced rapid transit stops
- New streetscape elements
- New sewers and watermains to accommodate future growth
- Safer cycling routes on Dundas Place
In Phase 2, the Dundas Street-TVP Connection will create a two-way protected bike lane on Dundas to help improve the link for pedestrians and cyclists between the TVP and downtown.
Country 104 News reports that the Downtown Loop of London's BRT plan, once completed, will run buses along Queens Avenue, King Street Ridout Street and Wellington Street.
"We'll be keeping one lane of traffic open between Ridout and Richmond at all times. However, the work that's on the stages east of Richmond to Wellington those will require full closures. That's because that portion includes that underground sewer renewal. We will be replacing 100 year old combined sewers, which is so important to support growth in the core and improve the health of the Thames River. The first phase will take the entire construction season."
London's Director of major projects | Jennie Dann
Construction in the core is also resulting in lane restrictions for eastbound traffic between the Kensington Bridge and Ridout Street. The construction is part of the Dundas Street-Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) Connection.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - London Rapid Transit Downtown Loop - Phase 1 (0014121120)
