A map of the Downtown Loop construction zone and existing traffic configuration. Map courtesy of the City of London.A map of the Downtown Loop construction zone and existing traffic configuration. Map courtesy of the City of London.
London

24-hour construction begins on Downtown Loop

Residents downtown will have to deal with 24-hour-a-day construction for the next two weeks.

Starting Monday, construction crews will be working day and night on part of the Downtown Loop construction project on Ridout Street North between Fullarton Street and Queens Avenue.

According to the City of London, round the clock construction is needed to "efficiently" complete necessary underground drilling to install new pipes and sewers beneath the road. While the bulk of the drilling will take place Monday to Friday, some construction activities could be required on weekends.

"Above ground, traffic conditions will not change during this work and access will continue to be maintained to residences and buildings. While Ridout Street North and Queens Avenue continues to be an active construction site for the Downtown Loop project, drilling operations may cause some noise and vibrations," the city said in a statement.

Vibration monitors have been installed at various locations surrounding the construction site. They will be regularly monitored. Noise barriers will also be installed near the drilling work to minimize ground level noise as much as possible. However, regular construction noise should be expected in the area, the city said.

The 24 hour road work on Ridout will last for approximately two weeks. Following that, construction will return to regular daytime operations.

The Downtown Loop, the first of London's bus rapid transit projects, adds dedicated bus lanes and enhanced transit stops to streets. Phase 1 of the project was built last year on King Street between Ridout and Wellington Streets. Phase 2, which got underway in March, will be done in four stages and should be completed by December. The final phase of the Downtown Loop is planned for next year on Wellington Street between Queens Avenue and York Street.

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