Growing & Connected: Infrastructure improvements at Main and Ottawa

HAMILTON – Starting Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the City of Hamilton will begin mobilizing construction activities at the intersection of Main Street East and Ottawa Street North (Wards 3 and 4). Full closure of the intersection will occur later this summer.

Ottawa Street North at Main Street East closure begins this summer

This work includes watermain installation and other road improvements to 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  

• Dates: July 7 onward, with a duration lasting approximately four months from the full closure of the intersection, weather and logistics permitting.

• Type of work: Large watermain, sewer installation, road resurfacing and Bell and Alectra utility relocations at the intersection of Main Street East and Ottawa Street North.
• Impact: Construction and subsequent full closure of the intersection for approximately four months. The closure will impact 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 access side streets east and west of Ottawa Street North, as well as  north and south of Main Street East. No vehicular access will be permitted through the intersection to ensure residents’ safety and work can continue uninterrupted. A webpage for this work can be found at hamilton.ca/mainottawa. HSR detours can be found at hamilton.ca/HSRDetours. Emergency services and waste collection will not be affected.
• Details: Once reopened, all major road works will be complete. Minor finishing touches will remain. 

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.

Another Public Service Announcement will be issued closer to the full closure of this intersection. 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 by visiting the City of Hamilton Subscribe to E-Updates webpage.

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

Resources:

• Webpage: Main & Ottawa Closure: Updates
• Webpage: HSR Schedules & Detours
• Webpage: City of Hamilton LRT
• Webpage: Metrolinx Hamilton LRT