Full closure of Ottawa St. N at Main St. E begins August 17

HAMILTON, ON – Starting Monday, August 17, 2026, the City of Hamilton will begin the full closure of the intersection at Main Street East and Ottawa Street North (Wards 3 and 4) as construction enters the next phase of critical infrastructure improvements.

Infrastructure improvements will renew aging water, sewer and road infrastructure while preparing the corridor for Hamilton's future

The full closure is required to allow crews to safely complete watermain and sewer installation, utility relocations and road reconstruction. This work will renew critical municipal infrastructure, improve the long-term reliability of local roads and help prepare the corridor for future Hamilton LRT construction.

Upcoming Road Closure: Intersection of Ottawa Street North and Main Street East

• Date: Beginning August 17, 2026, with the full closure expected to last approximately four months, weather and logistics permitting.
• Type of work: Large watermain and sewer installation, road reconstruction and resurfacing, and Bell and Alectra utility relocations at the intersection of Main Street East and Ottawa Street North.
• Impact: Full closure of the intersection for approximately four months. The closure impacts north/south and east/west traffic, as well as HSR services.
• Reason: This work is part of a road infrastructure improvement project to support the future construction of the LRT.
• Access:  Residents can continue to access side streets east and west of Ottawa Street North, as well as north and south of Main Street East. No vehicular access is permitted through the intersection to ensure public safety and allow work to continue efficiently. Emergency services and waste collection services for residents will not be affected.
• Details: Once the intersection reopens, all major road works will be complete. Other finishing work that will not impact road users may continue in the area.

We understand that road closures can be disruptive, and we appreciate your patience as we work to deliver long-term benefits to Hamilton's streets and neighbourhoods.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes during this time and expect delays and increased traffic on surrounding roads. Motorists are reminded to follow posted detour signs and take extra caution in construction zones.

For the most up-to-date information on closures, detours and project timelines, visit the City of Hamilton Road Closures webpage or subscribe to updates, alerts and newsletters through the City of Hamilton Subscribe to E-Updates webpage.

We recognize this closure will be disruptive for residents, businesses and everyone who travels through this area. We appreciate the community's patience as we complete these important infrastructure improvements. 

Together, we're building a safer, more connected Hamilton.

Additional Resources:

• PSA: Ottawa Street North at Main Street East closure begins this summer
• Web page: Main & Ottawa Closure: Updates
• Web page: HSR Schedules & Detours
• Web page: City of Hamilton LRT
• Web page: Metrolinx Hamilton LRT