Turning train delays into an award-winning design
Adelaide Underpass project wins top Engineering award
The Adelaide Underpass has earned the 2025 Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Award, recognizing this once-in-a-generation project for its innovation, impact, and excellence in engineering.
The award was presented this week at the MEA Conference and AGM, hosted right here in London, to the team of City staff who made this project a reality.
“Whether it’s reducing daily train delays or creating safer, more reliable routes for over 24,000 road users each day, this underpass shows what happens when engineering meets community vision,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “It’s an achievement our city can be proud of—from helping emergency services reach their destination sooner to shortening daily commutes to work and important engagements, this is a project that is already making a real difference in the everyday lives of Londoners.”
About the award
The MEA Award recognizes outstanding service to the community, exceptional engineering achievements, and long-term contributions to society. The Adelaide Underpass project was nominated for eliminating long-standing train-related delays, improving safety, easing cut-through traffic, and enhancing active transportation options, while collaborating closely with the rail company, consultants, businesses, and the local community.
“This project is proof that big challenges require teamwork,” said Jennie Dann, Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services at the City of London. “From engineers to community members, everyone played a role in delivering a solution that truly benefits Londoners.”
A community vision realized: Connecting neighbourhoods, businesses, and people
Adelaide Street is a vital connector between historic neighbourhoods and local businesses. The new underpass replaces a long-problematic rail crossing that caused major delays, congestion, and safety concerns.
The design improves traffic flow, reduces emergency response times, and creates safer, more accessible connections for people walking, cycling, driving, and taking transit. Multi-use paths on both sides of Adelaide link key destinations like McMahen Park and Central Avenue, while traffic-calming supports nearby neighbourhoods.
Developed with public input, the underpass option was chosen for its lower impact on the community and better neighbourhood fit. The project was supported by $87.6 million in funding from all levels of government. The result is safer, faster, and more inclusive infrastructure that reflects London’s long-term mobility goals.
Construction began in April 2022, and by April 2024, the underpass and multi-use paths were opened. Final touches, such as landscaping, were completed in the summer of 2025 to further enhance the area, and the underpass was officially opened in August 2025 with a community celebration.
“This new infrastructure builds on Adelaide Street’s long history, enhancing safety and mobility while maintaining its role as a vital connector,” says Doug MacRae, Director, Transportation and Mobility at the City of London. “The Adelaide Underpass is more than just infrastructure, it’s a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and progress. Londoners can now enjoy a safer, faster, and more connected city every day.”
The MEA Award was formally recognized at RBC Place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
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