Getting into and out of downtown London via Wellington Street will be a slow go for the next eight months.
Starting Monday, Wellington from York Street to just north of the Thames River will be down to just one lane in each direction. The lane restrictions come as work on Phase 1 of the bus rapid transit (BRT) Wellington Gateway begins.
Signage is in place to help drivers navigate the lane restrictions.
The work will also affect side streets in the area, according to city officials.
Horton, Grey, and South streets will see channeled lanes where they intersect with Wellington. Hill and Simcoe streets will be closed on the east side of Wellington, restricting drivers turning east and west.
“Drivers looking to access Wellington Street are encouraged to use Grey Street for westbound access and can use South Street for eastbound travel off Wellington,” city officials said.
Drivers looking to avoid Wellington altogether while the work is completed are advised to use Richmond Street, Talbot Street, Wharncliffe Road and Waterloo Street.
Area businesses will remain open and accessible during BRT construction.
London Transit will detour routes 13 and 90 off Wellington at Grand Avenue. They will travel along Carfrae and Richmond Streets throughout the work. Route 1 will continue operation along Wellington, South Street, and Colborne Street, but alternative stops will be put in place as there will be no stopping within the construction zone.
For pedestrians, a sidewalk on at least one side of the street will be maintained throughout the work. Those on foot should follow the signs to get through the construction safely or use nearby streets to get to their destination.
The lane restrictions on Wellington are expected to remain in place until December.
BRT construction also has lane restrictions in place on northbound Wellington to just north of King Street until the end of March and Queens Avenue between Wellington and Richmond streets closed until summer.
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.
