Lane restrictions on a portion of Kenilworth Access beginning Wednesday

HAMILTON, ON – As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address contaminated soil at the Kenilworth Water Reservoir, the downbound direction of the Kenilworth Access will be reduced to one lane beginning Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

The rehabilitation project at the Kenilworth Water Reservoir includes:

• The removal of all contaminated soil from the reservoir surface 
• Placement of clean soil to cover the reservoir
• Joint repairs to the exterior of the reservoir
• Column repairs to the interior of the reservoir

We do not expect any water supply issues to residents as a result of this construction work as the reservoir remains in service.

The rehabilitation project and the associated lane restrictions are expected to wrap up in July 2022.

Motorists traveling in the area during peak hours may experience delays during this time.

Quick facts

• In early 2020, Hamilton Water began a planned $6M capital rehabilitation of the Kenilworth and Dewitt Reservoirs. The upgrades were completed in February 2021 and included internal repairs at the Kenilworth Reservoir West Cell.
• The Kenilworth Reservoir is one of the City’s primary water assets and feeds drinking water to many homes on the Hamilton Mountain.  
• In the summer of 2020, the City’s contractor noticed some visual concerns with the soil at the Kenilworth Reservoir and proceeded with soil testing in two areas. The test results identified high levels of benzo(a)pyrene – a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in both areas.
• The City immediately tested the drinking water in the reservoir and no PAHs were detected.
• The City engaged with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Public Health Services to report the detection of the contaminated soil.
• As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address contaminated soil at the Kenilworth Water Reservoir, a new construction project has begun to remove the contaminated soil and replace it with clean soil. The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by July 2022.
• Since the initial discovery, the City has continued to regularly test the drinking water at the Kenilworth Water Reservoir to ensure that it remains safe.

The City of Hamilton thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation as we complete this important rehabilitation work.