Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hamilton City Council has ratified a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for the 14-kilometre Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
Next steps include the establishing of a project team and procurement process for delivery of the project. Work continues this fall on the corridor as demolitions of vacant properties continue. Early works construction on the project is expected to begin in early 2022.
The LRT will connect McMaster University in the west end of Hamilton to Eastgate in the east, with new light rail vehicles running along tracks separated from regular traffic, offering frequent, safe and reliable service. It will also integrate with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) bus service, and connect with local bike share, and GO bus and rail service.
“The approval the Memorandum of Understanding for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit Project is a key milestone and highlights the importance of collaboration across all levels of government, along with partners such as Metrolinx, LiUNA Canada, McMaster University, Mohawk College and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“Together we are moving toward further advancing accessibility to public transit in our community. The LRT will also generate thousands of jobs and will keep workers working, it will help our environment by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will create opportunities for affordable housing along the LRT route and it will unlock access and opportunities for local businesses and communities. Hamiltonians deserve all the benefits that will come from this project.”
In May 2021, a joint funding announcement was made by the provincial and federal governments committing $3.4 billion, making it one of the largest infrastructure investments in the city’s history.
The project also includes investment in roads, sidewalks, bridges, watermains, sewers, electrical distribution (hydro), telecommunications, natural gas, traffic control signals and streetlights.
“Our government is delivering much-needed transit for the City of Hamilton, and today, we are one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on the Hamilton LRT,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “Ontario’s fifth priority transit project, the Hamilton LRT will better connect the city, create jobs, and spark investment in the region.”