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London’s bus rapid transit network is under construction, with all three corridors expected to be built in the next three years. Here are the latest updates on the project, including new contracts heading to politicians for approval next week:
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SHELTERS
A half-million-dollar contract is up for approval next month as city staff ask council to sign off on a company selected to finish designing rapid transit bus shelters and install them across the city. It’s described in a staff report as a “large and complex assignment” that will take at least four years. A prototype station will be required, plus a full demonstration shelter. Quebec-based Enseicom is the recommended vendor for the $563,500 contract. The shelters will include “anti-graffiti materials and design choices.” They’ll also be designed with London’s “safe city for women and girls” goal in mind.
EXPROPRIATION
Two remaining properties are needed to build the Wellington gateway, the south leg of bus rapid transit between downtown and Highway 401. City hall slowly has been buying up the land it needs along the route, and negotiations started with existing owners in 2021, staff say in a new report. But now, city hall is looking for permission to start the expropriation process for the final land. “Legal possession of all property requirements will be needed to commence utility work and award a construction contract,” staff wrote. City hall’s realty department will continue to negotiate in hopes of coming to a deal without needing to expropriate. The Wellington gateway will add transit-only lanes on Wellington Road to allow more frequent rapid transit buses. Along with underground work such as replacing sewers, the troublesome S-curve south of the Thames River also is to be straightened out as part of BRT construction.
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