If you’re planning to drive through the Second Street and Oxford Street intersection over the next couple of weeks, you’ll need to find an alternative route. According to the City of London, the busy intersection will be closed to through traffic starting Monday, September 22, and continuing until Friday, October 3, weather permitting.

The closure is part of Phase 4 of the East London Link project, which requires crews to complete underground infrastructure work safely. While the intersection will be closed to through traffic, local access for businesses and pedestrian traffic will remain open throughout the construction period.

The City has established detour routes to help drivers navigate around the closure. For those travelling on Oxford Street, the detour will take you along Highbury Avenue to Huron Street to Clarke Road. If you’re using Second Street, you’ll be redirected via Cheapside Street to Third Street to Dundas Street.

The timing of this closure coincides with ongoing labour disruptions at Fanshawe College, where picket lines at both the Cheapside and Fanshawe College Boulevard entrances may cause additional delays for drivers and pedestrians near the campus. The City is advising people to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during this period.

LTC bus service will also be affected by the construction. The bus entrance and exit on Oxford Street will be blocked during the closure period, impacting several transit routes. Riders are encouraged to check the LTC website or follow @LTCLdnOnt on Twitter for the most current service information and route detours.

The East London Link is a comprehensive multi-year infrastructure project that will revitalize more than 6 kilometres of road between Downtown and Fanshawe College. The project includes both above-ground transportation and transit improvements, as well as the repair and replacement of aging sewers, watermains, and other underground infrastructure.

Construction phases will continue through 2026, with Phase 4 ongoing in 2025 and Phase 5 scheduled for the following year. The project receives funding support from both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada.

With increased construction activity in the area, drivers are advised to travel with caution through construction zones and when visiting local destinations or businesses. The City recommends using navigation apps such as Waze or Google Maps to check your route and plan ahead for potential delays.

For more detailed information about the closure and detour routes, residents can visit the City’s project page or check the Renew London map for visual guidance on the affected areas.