The newly opened sidewalk on the Victoria Bridge on Ridout Street. (Photo by Craig Needles, Blackburn Media)The newly opened sidewalk on the Victoria Bridge on Ridout Street. (Photo by Craig Needles, Blackburn Media)
London

Victoria Bridge reopening to pedestrians Tuesday

It is a sure sign construction of the Victoria Bridge is nearing completion.

As of Tuesday, the sidewalk on the east side of the reconstructed bridge above the Thames River on Ridout Street will be open to pedestrians and cyclists. Fencing and guardrails have been installed to separate and protect those using the sidewalk while construction of the bridge is completed.

The 98-year-old bridge has been closed since summer 2022 when work to make it wider and more active transportation-friendly began. Once completed, the new $23 million Victoria Bridge will have a wider deck surface to better accommodate cyclists, and pedestrians. In addition, it will offer improved connectivity to the Thames Valley Parkway.

Cyclists using the newly reopened sidewalk are asked to dismount in order to cross safely. The sidewalk will connect the existing Thames Valley Parkway detour south of the Victoria Bridge, which sends pedestrians and cyclists along Carfrae Street to Carfrae Crescent/Richmond Street. According to the city, this will remain in place until the bridge and TVP pathways are completed later this summer.

The temporary pedestrian bridge that had been in place throughout the work will be closed as of Tuesday. That is to allow crews to begin preparations to dismantle and remove it.

Access to nearby Thames Park and its parking lot will be limited. The city is encouraging visitors to continue to use the pathway on Wortley Road to enter the park.

Read More Local Stories