Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hamilton Transit Alliance, led by Aecon Infrastructure Inc., has been awarded the civil and utilities contract for the Hamilton LRT project.
“With this contract award, we are setting the stage for major construction on the Hamilton LRT, which is incredible news for the City of Hamilton,” said Michael Lindsay, president and CEO of Metrolinx. “This work includes new and upgraded bridges, as well as improvements to roads, utilities and public spaces.”
The 14-kilometre light rail transit line is expected to create approximately 6,000 jobs annually during construction and up to 1,000 permanent positions once operational.
The province and federal governments are providing up to $3.4 billion for development and construction.
“The construction of the Hamilton LRT represents one of the most significant transit projects in our city’s history,” said Neil Lumsden. “This announcement brings us closer to a faster, more efficient and more affordable commute for thousands of residents.”
The civil and utilities contract includes preparatory work along the corridor, such as utility relocations, grade separations, road reconstruction, and upgrades to sidewalks and traffic control systems. It also advances design work for several major structures, including a replacement bridge over Highway 403, a new underpass beneath the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Hamilton Subdivision near Gage Avenue, and improvements to the Queenston Road bridge over the Red Hill Valley Parkway.
Planned infrastructure work includes:
- 14 kilometres of sewer replacement and separation
- 16 kilometres of watermain replacement
- 14 kilometres of road reconstruction
- 28 kilometres of new and upgraded sidewalks
- 62 upgraded or replaced traffic signals
Once complete, the LRT will connect key destinations across the city, including McMaster University, Hamilton Stadium, Eastgate Square, Ottawa Street, Gage Park and downtown Hamilton, while linking to Hamilton Street Railway and GO Transit services.
“This project will help reduce congestion, support new housing and investment, and strengthen our downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods,” said Andrea Horwath. “Through strong partnerships, we are delivering the modern transit system Hamiltonians deserve.”
