Main & Ottawa Closure: Updates

The intersection must be fully closed to keep both the community and construction crews safe. This project is complex for a few key reasons:

• Excavation work. Crews are digging to access and replace several underground pipes. These excavation areas make it unsafe for vehicles to travel through the work zone.
• Limited space for equipment and traffic. The intersection is not large enough to safely accommodate both heavy construction equipment and vehicles at the same time.
• Work across the intersection. Construction is taking place in several areas of the intersection at once, leaving no safe route for vehicles to pass through.

Crews will work some nights when required. However, limiting work to short overnight or off-peak periods while keeping the road open would significantly extend the project potentially to 8 to 9 months, and would still result in ongoing traffic delays, noise and dust. A full closure allows crews to work more efficiently and complete the project sooner. We appreciate the community’s patience as drivers, transit users and pedestrians adjust to the detours during the first few weeks.

Businesses will remain accessible during construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained for businesses located within the closure area. Where possible, the project team will also provide additional nearby on-street parking to help customers visit local businesses.

Yes. The project team will coordinate directly with businesses to arrange deliveries whenever possible. Delivery access will be managed on a case-by-case basis to meet individual business needs during construction.

The full closure is expected to last approximately 4 months.

Bus detour routes are selected to minimize disruption for customers while maintaining access to transit as close as possible to the original route. HSR considers factors such as road closures, construction, safety and alternative streets that can accommodate buses.

Emergency services will continue to have access to the area throughout construction. Access methods may vary depending on the phase of work.

Traffic:

• Road closure signage reading “Road Closed – Local Access Only”
• Advance notice to the public, businesses, and residents
• Signage to show businesses will remain open during construction

Pedestrians:

• Temporary fencing to separate construction area from the public
• Signage and barriers to show safe walking routes
• Crossing guard continues to assist pedestrians west of Ottawa Street as scheduled

Please email Eleni Jalbout, Senior Communications Officer with the City of Hamilton’s LRT Project Office at: [email protected]

This webpage will be updated to reflect any changes during construction and the LRT Project Office will make Ward 3 and Ward 4 councillors aware.

• Use Dunsmure Road for school drop-off. The safest and most convenient route for drivers dropping off students is to approach the school from the north side of Main Street, using the entrance via Dunsmure Road.
• Pedestrian access maintained. Pedestrian access along Main Street East will be maintained throughout construction. People will be able to travel along either the north or south side of the street and through the intersection using a clearly marked path to a safe crossing location. 
• Crossing guard in place. A crossing guard will be present during scheduled times to assist students and other pedestrians crossing Main Street East during construction.