The Phase 2 Conversion of James and John Streets

Two-way traffic is here! The full conversion of James Street South, John Street South, Charlton Avenue and St. Joseph’s Drive to two-way traffic is now complete. James Street now operates permanently as a two-way street from Guise Street to James Mountain Road (West 5th Access) and John Street now operates permanently as a two-way street from Strachan Street to the Jolley Cut. With the conversion of Charlton Avenue, Mountain-bound motorists will have the option of using the James Mountain Road (West 5th), Jolley Cut or Sherman Accesses from southbound James Street or southbound John Street. Drive carefully! Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving through this area and be aware of new signs and pavement markings indicating the flow of traffic. Please also watch for pedestrians.

Visit this site often

This Web site is designed to help residents and businesses in this area and motorists travelling through the area to prepare for the changes by providing up-to-date information on the project. Travel tips, traffic bulletins, notices and other helpful information will be posted here and updated regularly. Please visit these pages often to stay informed of our progress as we accomplish another highlight in the revitalization of our Downtown.

For detailed information on specific information on the conversion of John & James streets of interest to you, see the direct links column on the left of this page.

Are You Prepared?

If you live, work or own a business in the project area or if you regularly travel through this area, some of your usual routines, schedules and habits could be disrupted. Visit this Web site often for up-to-date information on the project’s progress, travel tips and more.

James & John Streets now open to two-way traffic (Nov. 21, 2005 - 1000h)

The full conversion of James Street South, John Street South, Charlton Avenue and St. Joseph’s Drive to two-way traffic is now complete. City crews completed the work by 10:00 a.m. today to open up the traffic lanes on northbound James St. between St. Joseph’s Drive and Main St., southbound John St. between the Jolley Cut and King St., eastbound Charlton Ave. between John and James Streets and westbound St. Joseph’s Drive between John and James Streets.

Mayor Larry Di Ianni, Ward 2 Councillor Bob Bratina and Public Works General Manager Scott Stewart joined City traffic crews and other Public Works staff in a ceremonial ribbon cutting this morning to officially mark the completion of the James/John Phase 2 project. James Street now operates permanently as a two-way street from Guise Street to James Mountain Road (West 5^th Access) and John Street now operates permanently as a two-way street from Strachan Street to the Jolley Cut. With the conversion of Charlton Avenue, Mountain-bound motorists will have the option of using the James Mountain Road (West 5^th), Jolley Cut or Sherman Accesses from southbound James Street or southbound John Street.

The conversion of these Downtown streets is part of the Downtown Transportation Master Plan approved by Hamilton City Council in 2001. The intent of the Downtown Transportation Master Plan is to revitalize the Downtown core and make neighbourhood streets more accessible and pedestrian friendly.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving through this area and be aware of new signs and pavement markings indicating the flow of traffic. Please also watch for pedestrians.

James & John lane closures complete (Nov. 6, 2005 - 1700h)

The closure of lanes is now complete on James Street South between Main Street and James Mountain Road; John Street South between the Jolley Cut and King Street; and Charlton Avenue and St. Joseph’s Drive between John and James Streets. Traffic on these streets are now restricted to two lanes for a two-week period. These lane closures will allow for the final work to proceed on the conversion of James, John, Charlton and St. Joseph’s Drive to two-way traffic.

Expect delays in this area. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays until full traffic capacity is resumed on the streets once they are converted to two-way traffic.

The City of Hamilton thanks you for your patience during this two-week period of transition.


Traffic restricted to two right lanes beginning November 5 & 6 (Nov. 3, 2005)

The full conversion of James Street South, John Street South, Charlton Avenue and St. Joseph’s Drive to two-way traffic enters the final stages this weekend.

The reduction and closure of traffic lanes to begin the conversion to two-way traffic will commence November 5 and 6. Traffic on James St. between Main St. and the escarpment, John St. between the Jolley Cut and King St. as well as Charlton Ave. and St. Joseph’s Drive between John and James Streets will be reduced to two lanes for a minimum two-week period.

“Our experience shows that this period of lane closures helps to accustom motorists to driving on the right-hand side of roads undergoing conversion from one-way to two-way traffic,” says Mary Lou Tanner, Manager of Strategic and Environmental Planning for the City of Hamilton’s Public Works department.

The conversion of these Downtown streets is part of the Downtown Transportation Master Plan approved by Hamilton City Council in 2001. The intent of the Downtown Transportation Master Plan is to revitalize the Downtown core and make neighbourhood streets more accessible and pedestrian friendly.

During the transition from one-way to two-way traffic, motorists may experience congestion in this area during peak times. Motorists are encouraged to tune in to local news and traffic reports for travel tips and consider alternate routes around this area.

Two-way traffic conversion of James and John Streets postponed (Oct. 14, 2005)

The conversion of James Street South, John Street South and Charlton Avenue (John Street to James Street) to two-way traffic has been postponed. Originally scheduled to begin next week, due to weather-related construction delays the reduction and closure of traffic lanes two-way traffic is now expected to take place mid-November.


Current Status (Oct. 5, 2005)

Contruction has commenced on James Street, John Street, and Charlton Avenue. Click on the thumbnails below for larger photos of the work in progress. Check back often for further status and more photos.