City to begin installing new Truck Route signage next week

HAMILTON, ON – Next week, the City will start installing new and modified truck route signage throughout Hamilton to implement the recommendations of the 2022 Truck Route Master Plan Update.

The truck route network is enforced through Hamilton Traffic By-law 01-215, which was recently amended to reflect the Truck Route Master Plan recommendations. Key changes include:

• the restriction of trucks over 4-axles from travelling within areas of the downtown and other parts of the lower city,
• removal of selected streets from the truck route network,
• modifications to certain time of day restrictions.

These changes aim to improve overall community livability and contribute to improved environmental and public health outcomes, while supporting regional economic prosperity. They are designed to keep trucks on suitable roadways and in turn help mitigate impacts such as noise, vibration and safety for vulnerable road users.

Signage installations will take approximately six weeks to complete, with over 600 signs being installed throughout Hamilton, beginning in the lower city then expanding to other areas. All installations are expected to be complete by April 30, 2023, weather permitting. Signage installations will occur outside of peak hours to minimize traffic impacts. All applicable enforcement of existing signage remains in effect until the removal of existing signage occurs.

Restrictions, as set out in the By-law, will be enforced solely by Hamilton Police Service (HPS) and will take effect progressively upon installation of the signage. The City’s Truck Route Signing System utilizes both Permissive and Restrictive truck route signing. Trucks are expected to follow designated routes but may exit the permissive route to access their destination using the shortest distance from the truck route possible from non-designated City roadways.

Members of the community who identify trucks disobeying the City’s By-law can report it to Hamilton Police Service via the non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

Given the significant changes to the City’s established truck routes, a dedicated interactive map will be updated periodically and can be found on the City’s Website. It will outline both the truck route changes, as well as track crew’s progress of installation. For more details, visit: www.hamilton.ca/truckroute

Quick Facts

• As part of the By-law amendment, trucks over 4-axles will no longer be able to travel using Main Street East, King Street East, Claremont Access, Concession Street and sections of Bay Street, Victoria Avenue North, Wellington Street North, Queenston Road, Parkdale Avenue North and other residential streets.
• The new truck route also removes day-time truck route access from James Street South, John Street, Arkledun Avenue and more frequently used routes.
• Truck route sections of Bay Street North, Stuart Street and Queen Street North have been revised from full-time access to day-time access only.
• The City of Hamilton Truck Route Master Plan (TRMP) provides a comprehensive, consolidated update to the existing truck route network, which was created in 2010 and provides recommendations for future action and policies for truck routes.
• The Truck Route Master Plan Report and The Truck Route Network went through two rounds of public engagement, as well as, truck route sub-committee meetings prior to being ratified by Council on April 13, 2022.
• The Truck Route Master Plan report further recommended that the Transportation Operations and Maintenance Division prepare an amendment to the City of Hamilton Traffic By-law 01-215 for consideration by Council to incorporate the recommendations within Truck Route Master Plan. Staff presented the amendment to Public Works Committee on January 16, 2023 and it was approved.