If your usual downtown commute includes York Street, you’re going to need a new game plan starting April 2nd.

The City of London has announced that York Street will be completely closed between Clarence and Wellington streets from tomorrow until early September 2025. And yes, that includes the York and Clarence intersection too.

This isn’t just a quick patch job. We’re talking about major underground work that’s part of the Downtown Sewer Separation program—a project that actually kicked off back in 2024 and is scheduled to continue through 2026.

The infrastructure renewal project isn’t just about replacing old pipes. According to the city’s announcement, these upgrades will increase sewer capacity, support our growing population, and help improve the health of the Thames River by separating combined storm and sanitary sewers.

So what does this mean for your daily downtown adventures?

If you’re driving, prepare for delays and follow those detour signs. The city promises that access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction, but it’s going to take some patience.

Walking around the area? Watch for uneven surfaces and follow signs to navigate safely around construction zones. There will be sidewalk closures and restrictions on both York Street and Wellington Street.

Cyclists might want to consider using Dundas Place for east-west connections through the Core Area during this period.

And for those who rely on London Transit, heads up—some bus routes and stops might be affected. The city recommends checking the LTC website (londontransit.ca) for the latest updates.

This work is the next phase of a project that began in 2024 to replace aging sewer infrastructure on York Street. The construction is expected to last until approximately September 2025.

For additional details about road impacts, you can check the city’s road impact map at https://bit.ly/4lcceU6.