Longer commute to downtown Hamilton as Claremont stays closed for repairs

Published March 2, 2023 at 4:48 pm

The downbound lanes of the Claremont Access will stay closed until its bulging retaining walls are repaired and the vital arterial road is safe.

The City of Hamilton shut down the lanes on Hunter St. and Upper James St. on Wednesday following a discovery that steel panels in the retaining wall (pictured, top) had bowed out toward the street due to what is described as “an urgent erosion and slope stability concern.” In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the city says this “need(s) immediate attention in the interest of ensuring the ongoing safety of the Claremont Access walls.”

There is no timeline yet for the re-opening. A detour plan that uses using Fennell Ave. E. and Upper Wellington St. has been set up, according to the City of Hamilton Twitter account.

Please be advised that a Claremont Access downbound closure detour plan has been established using Fennell Ave E and Upper Wellington St. https://t.co/cj4QCi0pO8 https://t.co/rJ46tofLnt

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) March 2, 2023

Commutes that may take under 15 minutes may take significantly more time.

“The City understands this closure is challenging and results in longer commutes into the downtown core,” the release states. “The City is doing everything to reopen the downbound lanes as quickly as possible to limit the inconvenience to motorists and HSR passengers, however, this work must be done immediately to proactively ensure the continued safety of the Claremont Access.