Western University has been noted for having tons of traffic congestion at all times of the day. That is why when the university announced its plan to close the main gates bridge for motorized traffic, it did not go over well with students.
One of the only other main entrances to the university is now from the construction-riddled Oxford and Wharncliffe intersection. Other entrances exist of course, but for students living downtown, it is quite a distance away. They would essentially need to travel the perimeter of the campus to actually get into campus.
The bridge will be closing on Thursday, October 18, 2018, and will stay closed for an undecided number of months for repairs. This decision came after an outside engineering firm conducted an inspection of the 95-year-old bridge and decided it was time for some changes.
A few weeks ago City Council met with the Civic Works Committee and the topic of bridge restoration was on the agenda. Councilor Harold Usher of ward 12 was quick to point out the lack of repairs done to city bridges. Deputy Mayor Paul Hubert agreed and discussed with a committee member how bridges are supposed to be repaired every 20 years. The committee said they would look into this issue and keep all of the councilors input in mind.
This news will not only affect students driving to class but those who take public transit as well. The bus routes 13, 6, and 106 which often bring students living downtown to campus will re-route starting Monday, October 15, 2018. The city said the purpose for doing this a few days early is to allow students and adjustment period. The university has stated that they have plans to restructure all of the campuses traffic once the BRT plan comes into effect.
Western University's Bridge is closing for repairs this Thursday! How do you plan on getting to campus? #LdnOnt #westernu pic.twitter.com/I0miBENQhy
— Karling Donoghue (@KarlingXFMNews) October 14, 2018
