The province of Ontario has committed up to C$103.5 million (US$78.5 million) for 10 transit projects in the London area and has nominate those same projects for federal funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
The province said the investment in the transit projects will mean safer roads, easier commutes and new jobs in the London area. London Transit carried more than 23 million passenger in 2018 and is the fifth busiest transit system in Ontario, trailing only Toronto, Ottawa, Metrolinx (GO Transit) and Mississauga.
"London is a fast-growing region and our government is investing in infrastructure that will keep pace and build for the future," said Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott. "These projects will reduce congestion, improve commutes, connect neighbourhoods and businesses and people to jobs. Our government is investing in what matters most."
The projects include:
- East London Link: Reconstruct 6.3 km (3.91 miles) of road; install transit stations; widen Highbury Bridge, Highbury Avenue and Oxford Street and install intelligent traffic signals
- Wellington Gateway: Reconstruct 6.8 km (4.23 miles) of road, including road widening and installing intelligent traffic signals; construction of park-and-ride facility near Highway 401; new transit stations and widening of the bridge over the Thames River
- Downtown Loop: Road reconstruction; improve streetscape; install transit stations; install intelligent traffic signals
- Expansion Buses: Purchase and commission 31 expansion buses, which will be a mix of 40-foot and 60-foot diesel buses
- Intelligent Traffic Signals: Upgrade to a high-bandwidth intersection communication network; upgrade traffic signal management system; build a transportation management center
- Adelaide Street Underpass Active Transportation Connections: Construct multi-use paths on both sides of the road in conjunction with a new railway underpass
- Oxford Street/ Wharncliffe Road Intersection Improvements; major intersection improvements, including road widening
- Dundas Street Old East Village Streetscape Improvements; add new urban design elements to improve the streetscape, including wider boulevards, more trees, active transportation amenities and improved street lighting
- Dundas Place Thames Valley Parkway Active Transportation Connection: Reconstruct a section of Dundas Street, including new urban streetscape elements and signage improvements
- Bus Stop Amenities: Purchase and install 60 bus shelters, which include solar-powered lighting and benches; purchase and install 150 solar-powered lights at bus stops throughout the city
Regarding the federal funding, the province says the next step is for the federal government to review the projects and make final funding decisions. Most of these projects are shovel-ready and contingent on federal funding approval and could begin construction as soon as 2020.
"Our government's transit vision is helping to get people moving by improving our transportation network and creating a better transit experience for commuters," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. "We're continuing to work with municipalities to make smart investments in our roads and local transit services that keep them reliable for workers, families and businesses."
"We want to see London continue to serve and grow as a leader in commerce, culture and innovation. These projects are all important to the sustainability and economic future of this region and our province," said Scott. "We are excited to get these projects started. Now it's up to the federal government to approve them."
