Truck Route Network

UPDATE - Installing New & Modified Truck Route Signage

In March 2023, the City will be installing new and modified truck route signage throughout Hamilton to implement the recommendations of the 2022 Truck Route Master Plan Update.

The truck route network is enforced through Hamilton Traffic By-law 01-215 which was recently amended to reflect the Truck Route Master Plan recommendations. Key changes include:

• The restriction of trucks over 4-axles from travelling within areas of the downtown and other parts of the lower city, including 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.
• Removal of selected streets from the truck route network. 
• Modifications to certain time of day restrictions including along Bay Street North, Stuart Street and Queen Street North which have been revised from full-time access to day-time access only.

These changes aim to improve overall community livability and contribute to improved environmental and public health outcomes while supporting regional economic prosperity. They are designed to keep trucks on suitable roadways and in turn help mitigate impacts such as noise, vibration, and safety for vulnerable road users.

Signage installations will take approximately six weeks to complete, with over 600 signs being installed throughout Hamilton beginning in the downtown core and lower city then expanding to other areas. All installations are expected to be complete by April 30 2023, weather permitting. Signage installations will occur outside of peak hours each day to minimize traffic impacts. 

Restrictions, as set out in the By-law, will continue to be enforced solely by Hamilton Police Service (HPS) and will take effect progressively upon installation of the signage.  The City’s Truck Route Signing System utilizes both Permissive and Restrictive truck route signing. Trucks are expected to follow designated routes but may exit off of the permissive route to access their destination using the shortest distance from the truck route possible.

Existing Truck Route Signage remains in effect until new signage is installed. 

Members of the community who identify trucks disobeying the City’s By-law can report it to Hamilton Police Service via 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 EXISTING Truck Route Mapping(PDF, 3.02 MB)

View the 2023 NEW Truck Route Mapping

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.