Truck Route Network

UPDATE - Installed New & Modified Truck Route Signage

In October 2023, the City of Hamilton completed the installation of new and modified truck route signage as part of the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the 2022 Truck Route Master Plan Update. These recommendations were incorporated into the Hamilton Traffic By-Law 01-215, which underwent amendments to align with the Truck Route Master Plan.

Key changes

• Trucks with over four axles are now restricted from traversing areas within the downtown and other parts of the lower city. This includes Main Street East, King Street East, Claremont Access, Concession Street and sections of Bay Street, Victoria Avenue North, Wellington Street North, Queenston Road, Parkdale Avenue North and more.
• Certain streets have been removed from the truck route network. 
• Specific time of day restrictions have been modified along routes like Bay Street North, Stuart Street and Queen Street North. These changes have shifted some routes from full-time access to day-time access only.

These adjustments were introduced to enhance community livability and foster improved environmental and public health outcomes while supporting regional economic prosperity. The primary objective is to guide trucks onto appropriate roadways, thereby helping to mitigate issues such as noise pollution, vibration, and enhancing safety for vulnerable road users.

Enforcement

Enforcement of these restrictions, as stipulated in the By-law, falls solely under the jurisdiction of the Hamilton Police Service (HPS).  The City’s Truck Route Signing System employs both Permissive and Restrictive signage. While trucks are expected to adhere to designated routes, they may temporarily leave the permissive route to reach their destination using the most direct path from the truck route.

Report Truck Route Violations

To report instances of trucks in violation of the City’s By-law, community members are encouraged to contact the Hamilton Police Service through the non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

Hamilton’s Truck Route Network

Almost all materials now consumed in Hamilton reach their final destination by truck. Transportation in Hamilton has changed over the years with reduced emphasis on heavy industry in the north-east quadrant of the lower city and with the addition of major transportation facilities such as the Lincoln Alexander Parkway/Red Hill Valley Parkway system.

Hamilton’s Truck Route Network helps keep trucks on suitable roadways in Hamilton.

The purpose of the Truck Route Network is to:

• Support safe and timely movement of goods and services
• Recognize and try to limit the impacts of truck traffic on the interests of the greater community such as safety, congestion, noise, and air quality
• Protect the City’s road infrastructure that cannot bear heavy loads or roads where truck traffic would be unsuitable (e.g. narrow lanes, weight restrictions on bridges).

Hybrid Truck Route Signing System

The City of Hamilton is currently using a Hybrid Truck Route Signing System utilizing both Permissive and Restrictive truck route signing.

This involves using permissive truck route trailblazing signs and augmenting the permissive signs with restrictive truck route signs at critical locations to reinforce the truck route system.

View the 2023 NEW Truck Route Mapping(PDF, 2.26 MB)

Permissive Signage

Restrictive Signage

Rules and Regulations

• Trucks may exit off of the permissive route to access their destination using the shortest distance from the truck route possible from non-designated City roadways.
• Enforcement is through the Hamilton Police Service. Failure to adhere to Truck Route network and heavy truck restrictions may result in fines under the Highway Traffic Act and Municipal Traffic By-law. 
• A recent change to the by-law permits registered farm vehicles to use non-designated City roadways in the rural areas of the City.

Reduced Load Roadways

Under the Highway Traffic Act, the province enforces reduced load restrictions on trucks to protect Ontario’s highways during spring thaw (March 1 to April 30), when road damage is most likely to occur. See Section 122 of the Highway Traffic Act to learn about reduced load weight specifications and other details.