Hamilton adds more restrictions for big trucks driving through the city
Published March 7, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Truck routes have long been a contentious issue for the City of Hamilton. Residents have expressed safety concerns over large trucks travelling on some city streets — particularly when those trucks take down overhead lines.
As part of council’s 2022 Truck Route Master Plan Update, the City will begin installing new and modified truck route signage throughout Hamilton next week.
The traffic by-law amendment restricts trucks over four axles, which is essentially any truck with eight or more wheels, from travelling within certain areas of the downtown and other parts of the lower city. It also removes streets from the truck route network and modifies day and time restrictions.
“The updated Truck Route Network and Truck Route Master Plan Study Report explored opportunities to provide safe and efficient movement of trucks in Hamilton, support economic activities, minimize negative impacts of truck traffic on sensitive land uses, and balance between the industry and community needs,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath.
“After extensive reviews of policy and problem identification as well as stakeholder and public engagement, the implementation of new routes is a great next step in making sure our streets are safer for all users.”
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The roads that four-axle trucks will no longer be allowed to use include Main St. East, King St. East, Claremont Access, and Concession St., plus sections of Bay St., Victoria Ave. North, Wellington St. North, Queenston Rd., and Parkdale Ave. North.
Meanwhile, day-time truck route access is also being removed from James St. South, John St., and Arkledun Ave.
Route sections of Bay St. North, Stuart St., and Queen St. North have also been revised from full-time to day-time access only.
The City says the changes aim to improve “overall community livability” and “contribute to improved environmental and public health outcomes while supporting regional economic prosperity.”
More than 600 signs are being installed over the course of six weeks. In the meantime, all applicable enforcement of existing signage remains in effect until their removal.
The Hamilton Police Service will also help enforce the amended truck route by-law. Residents can call the non-emergency police line at 905-546-4925 to report infractions.
Trucks are being restricted to what the City deems as suitable roadways to mitigate impacts such as noise, vibration, and safety for vulnerable road users. Drivers are expected to follow designated routes, but may exit the permissive route to access their destination using the shortest distance from the truck route possible from non-designated city roadways.
The updated route map is available at www.hamilton.ca/truckroute.
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