Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of London is set to begin a major rehabilitation of The Queen’s Bridge on Queens Avenue over the Thames River, along with restoration of the east riverbank. The work, planned for 2026 and 2027, will renew aging infrastructure and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents, business owners, and property tenants are invited to a drop-in public update meeting tomorrow, Feb. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Museum London, 421 Ridout St. North. City project managers will provide updates and answer questions about construction.
“The Queen’s Bridge is a critical connection across the Thames River, and these improvements will ensure it continues to serve the community safely for decades,” said a city spokesperson.
The bridge rehabilitation will include a complete deck replacement and widening to accommodate future rapid transit lanes. A 2023 inspection rated the bridge in fair to poor condition, citing cracks, chipping concrete, and separation of layers beneath the surface. The replacement is expected to extend the bridge’s service life by 50 years.
A new three-metre multi-use path will be built along the north boulevard of Queens Avenue, from Ridout Street North to the west bridge approach. The current sidewalk on the south side will be removed. A new pedestrian crossing will be installed on the west side of the bridge, spanning Queens Avenue and Riverside Drive.
Aging structures along the east side of the Thames River that protect the riverbank from erosion will be replaced. The upgrades will improve resilience to flooding and storms and preserve the natural environment along the river. Retaining walls under The Queen’s Bridge and Kensington Bridge will also be replaced. The work will connect to improvements started in 2024 with the Harris Park Shoreline Restoration and Park Improvements project.
Construction will be co-ordinated with nearby projects, including the West London Dyke Reconstruction, the Downtown Sewer Capacity Expansion Project, and local events.
Property owners and tenants near the project area are being encouraged to attend the public meeting to learn about construction timelines and expected impacts.
