Preparation underway for Hwy 5 and 6 interchange construction in Waterdown

Preparation is underway for a huge interchange construction project at Highways 5 and 6 in Waterdown.

It will eventually ease traffic flows, making the area safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Until then, there will be traffic congestion because of the work that needs to be done.

The project has been in the works for decades, with environmental reports submitted in 2003, and an update made a decade later.

The comment period for residents to provide feedback ended earlier this year in January.

Ward 15 Counc. Ted McMeekin says Waterdown is the fastest growing community in Hamilton.

“What we’re hearing is that construction will probably start, now that most of the appropriations have been completed by late summer,” said McMeekin, “and the project, which is a very, very big one, would take about two years to complete.”

Most land expropriations are complete in the area, and construction is expected to start this summer on an underpass and overpass.

It’s expected to take as early as two years to finish, or to Fall of 2029 at the latest.

McMeekin says the project is rather expensive and estimates it costing up to $1 billion.

Eventually, pedestrians will be able to safely cross the highways to get to a new community centre planned near Harry Howell Arena.

READ MORE: Ontario accepts $25M investment from Waterdown facility supporting local jobs