Drivers learn to deal with road closures as Hamilton sees summer construction

Hamilton drivers say they don’t mind the City of Hamilton’s increased traffic and drive times due to construction, if its going to improve the overall commute later down the line.

The intersection of Dundurn Street North and York Boulevard is one of three road closures that started this week.

One of many on a long list of road closures expected in the city this summer.

Despite the inevitable delays it has and will cause, some drivers told CHCH News they don’t mind.

“I don’t find it too much of an inconvenience,” said one person. “I mean, with my maps and stuff, I can always go around – there’s always streets to go around and in between. But, I’d rather see a street that’s getting fixed and hit potholes and this and that, if it’s adding to it – I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

“I’m okay with it,” said another person. “I live just behind here, if I have to go down and around the block, I’m okay with it.”

Brian Hollingworth, the director of engineering services for the City of Hamilton, said the city is doing its best to mitigate impacts to drivers.

“We encourage people to, first of all, be aware of the construction by going to the city’s website,” said Hollingworth. “If you can, follow the signage that’s before and after the project – plan a little bit ahead.”

A few students attending Cathedral High School near Wilson Street and Stanford Avenue North, said the construction has already been affecting their commute to school.

“It’s affecting the bus routes here, where we get picked up for school and stuff,” said one student.

“They had to move the busses,” said a second student. “We have to go to different spots because of how they’re doing the construction – it is annoying, so we have to walk farther, but it’s okay.”

“It’s like, kind of hard, because I have to get off at different stops and then walk more,” said a third student.

Road closure signs and pylons can be seen on West 5th Street between Stone Church and Rymal Roads, which will be closed until July 4, for reconstruction and paving.

Hollingwoth said major projects in the city are on time, and some will transform neighbourhoods once they are all done.

“The Wilson Street Project, for example, includes bump outside intersections, new treatments to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, and quite importantly, trees as well,” said Hollingworth. “So it will beautify the neighbourhood.”

READ MORE: Hamilton closing several roads for long construction periods starting next week