KITCHENER - Pedestrians and cyclists are finally able to travel along King Street past Victoria Street, almost two years after the key intersection was closed to traffic for major light-rail construction.

The opening was part of an update on the Ion project provided to municipal politicians Wednesday at a joint council meeting for regional, city and township politicians.

King Street was closed to traffic in summer 2015 to build a CN Rail bridge and an underpass to allow King Street traffic to move beneath the railway. Vehicles won't be allowed to use the underpass until mid-July, said Thomas Schmidt, transportation commissioner for the Region of Waterloo.

"We have now fully opened the facilities for pedestrians and cyclists," Schmidt said. "Everyone is looking forward to being able to drive down King Street without having to make a detour."

Most of the asphalt paving along the light-rail route should wrap up in the next month or so, he added.

As well, although delivery of the second LRT vehicle has been delayed until late August or early September, Schmidt said "progress is being made on vehicles three through nine. Vehicle No. 3 is very close and the remaining vehicles are scheduled to arrive by December 2017."

Meanwhile, the region is planning a second open house during Doors Open Waterloo Region in September for people to tour the LRT operations and maintenance facility and the first train. More than 2,600 people lined up to see the facility and train at a first open house in April.

The region is also rolling out a safety campaign this summer to educate people about the signs and signals related to light-rail, he said. More information is available at GRT.ca/ion.