In a historic moment for London, the first vehicles will begin travelling under the new Adelaide Underpass on Friday.
One southbound and one northbound lane are to be opened to vehicular traffic at approximately 10 a.m., the city announced.
It is the culmination of years of studying, planning, and construction to provide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians a way to skirt the CP rail line just north of Central Avenue. Passing trains block the route an estimated 11 to 30 times each day. Construction of the long-awaited, $87.6 million underpass began in 2022. Last summer, the two rail bridge pieces for the massive project were lifted into place and excavation of the actual underpass began. A pumping station to keep water out of the underpass once it is operational was also constructed in 2023.
The opening of the first two lanes of the four-lane underpass also provide a reliable route for emergency services and public transit. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the underpass by taking the sidewalk on the west side while work on the remaining active transportation components continues. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount from their bikes when on the sidewalk. Signage is in place to help direct people under the rail crossing.
The temporary bypass road that has been in use throughout the work will close to all users as of Friday afternoon. Road closures on Central Avenue and McMahen Street will remain in place until the fall.
The last two lanes of the underpass are expected to open later in the summer.