Construction in the city is continuing to roll out with Londoners already beginning to feel the effects on city congestion and traffic delays, but more is still on the way.
According to the city of London’s website, there are at least 25 projects that have already begun in the city. That being said, the website also shows that upwards of 15 projects are still expected to begin within the year.
“All of the work we’ll be doing is essential to address our growing population, to address climate change, and also to make sure that our roads are safe and accessible for all Londoners of all ages and abilities,” says Jennie Dann, London’s director of construction and infrastructure services.
This comes from the city saying that this will be one of the largest years for city improvements in London’s history, going along with the $200 million going towards the planned projects.
“This is another year of major construction projects in the core area and our top priorities are mitigating impacts and supporting businesses as we complete essential infrastructure renewal,” says Dann.
Some of the projects currently underway include the Adelaide street underpass, Victoria bridge on Ridout street south, widening Wellington street, and more.
“When they close certain areas at a time, we just have to call our clients ahead saying that they need to change their direction on how to get in here,” said Emily Almeida, who works in the Central Cat Hospital located right outside the Adelaide street underpass construction.
Businesses, like the Central Cat Hospital, that are in close proximity to larger areas of construction are having to get creative with how they manage.
“We now have two openings for how people can get in, a second driveway so then people can try to go around it.”
Areas of the city including the Fanshawe Park road and Dundas street intersection, Windermere road, as well as the downtown core are just a handful of the projects that are expected to begin within the next few months on top of the construction that has already begun.
Most areas of the city are somehow affected by the growing construction across London and summer activities including Sun Fest, Rock the Park, and a general increase in outdoor patio usage will only further add to the congestion of the city.
The city of London is expected to repair and fix over 80 lane-kilometres of road this year as well as improve over 25 intersections.
With the continued focus on emissions-free travel, the city will also be creating over 16 kilometres of bike lanes and 14 kilometres of new sidewalks in London.
More information can be found on the city of London’s website at https://london.ca/roadconstruction.
