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Lane reductions will begin Monday on the Queen’s Bridge as the City of London launches a major rehabilitation project expected to last until spring 2027.
The bridge, which carries westbound traffic out of downtown over the Thames River, is more than 50 years old and starting to show its age.
“This bridge was built in 1973. It’s a three-span steel plate girder bridge with an exposed concrete deck,” said Jennie Dann, the city’s director of construction and infrastructure services.
“Some of our inspections have shown that it’s deteriorating, and so we’re going to be replacing the deck to ensure we can get another 50 years out of the bridge.”
Construction crews have begun work under the Queen’s Bridge in London, Ont. The 13-month long project will mean lane restrictions for drivers and close access to the Thames Valley Parkway. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)
The project does not involve a full demolition. Instead, crews will replace the entire bridge deck, update key structural elements, and widen the surface to accommodate future rapid transit, new pedestrian crossings and a multi-use path.
Under the bridge, shoreline flood protection along the Thames will also be strengthened.
Starting Monday, Queens Avenue will be reduced to one lane from Ridout Street to Wilson Avenue. While there will be periods of full closure later in the fall, drivers can expect at least one lane of traffic to be maintained during most of the project.
“Queen’s Bridge is a key route heading west, especially for commuters trying to leave downtown,” Dann said. “So we do know it’s going to be disruptive.”
(City of London)
Work will be staged in two phases, first on the north half of the bridge, then the south half, allowing traffic to continue flowing in one direction. Construction will continue through the winter months, with completion targeted for May 2027.
There will be no impact on eastbound traffic entering downtown via the Kensington Bridge.
“It’s really just for those folks that are leaving downtown and trying to head west, they might want to look for alternate routes,” Dann said.
City officials suggest drivers consider routes such as Horton Street, York Street or Oxford Street and check navigation apps before heading out, particularly during the first few weeks of construction.
Detours for pedestrians and cyclists
Closures to the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) mean pedestrians and cyclists will have to use Ridout Street or Wilson Avenue to get around the construction zone under the bridge.
While the TVP detours are not ideal, the finished project promises improvements.
“The project will include a wider, safer path on the north side of the river for people who are walking and biking,” Dann said. “They’re going to see a better user experience, and it’s going to be more accessible.”
Dann is also urging patience over the next 14 months.
“Please keep an eye out for construction workers. They all have families to go home to as well,” she said. “Take a deep breath, and we’ll all get where we’re going safely.”
Residents can follow updates on the bridge work and subscribe to email notifications on the city’s website.