Downbound Claremont Access closed until further notice

The City of Hamilton has closed the downbound lanes of the Claremont escarpment access until further notice due to “urgent” erosion concerns.

The closure was announced in a press release Wednesday evening, saying the access is shut down between Hunter and Upper James streets to conduct required repairs.

“Concerns about the stability of the escarpment in this area were raised through a routine inspection conducted earlier this week and have been identified as needing immediate attention in the interest of ensuring the ongoing safety of the Claremont Access walls,” a city spokesperson said.

During an inspection on Monday, a city consultant noticed a bulge in the steel wall along the escarpment.

An update sent to council Wednesday said the wall is “indicative of a potential failure.”

The city did not indicate when the escarpment access will reopen, but says Fennell Ave. East and Upper Wellington St. can be used as a detour.

Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) passengers can visit the HSR Now Twitter for detour details.