Hamilton mountain stairs closing for 7 months amid heavy construction

The City of Hamilton will begin road reconstruction work and trail enhancements along Mountain Park Ave. on Monday. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October, and when it’s completed, the area will be bolstered as a prime light-hiking and biking destination along the city’s escarpment.

The area between Poplar Ave. and Upper Wentworth St., including the Upper Wentworth escarpment staircase, will remain closed for the duration of the project.

However, the stairs will be accessible from the bottom at the Sherman Access.

Parking lots within the construction boundaries will be closed for the duration of the project, as well.

The scope of work includes:

• Active transportation improvements, including the widening of the pedestrian pathway and additional bike lane features
• Tree planting
• Road resurfacing with minor watermain works
• Reconfiguration of parking lots to accommodate additional parking space
• Installation of black ornamental fencing (east of Poplar Ave.) and street furniture, which includes bike racks, benches, and waste receptacle

The city says local access through the work zone will be maintained.

“The project incorporates the principles of Vision Zero in the design in order to focus on the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and cyclists,” issued the city. “Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities standards have also been incorporated, such as increased pedestrian and vehicle movement clarity, predictability, and visibility, as well as simplified road crossing tasks and the provision of accessible pedestrian signals.”

The project also incorporates the principles of the city’s Complete Streets Design Manual, which was endorsed by council in July 2022.