Hamilton’s long-awaited LRT project is moving forward as four construction teams prepare bids for major work along the 14-kilometre route that aims to serve 50,000 daily commuters. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Hamilton’s long-awaited LRT project is moving forward as four construction teams prepare bids for major work along the 14-kilometre route that aims to serve 50,000 daily commuters.
Photo: Justin Chandler/CBC

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation confirmed the next step in a news release, inviting proposals for relocating utilities, upgrading traffic signals, and laying groundwork along the route.

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This competitive bidding phase follows a pre-qualification round held in November. At that time, Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said Ontario was one step closer to breaking ground, and he repeated the sentiment this week.

Hamilton LRT to Deliver Major Transit Improvements

Metrolinx, the province’s transit agency, continues to oversee early infrastructure upgrades. Five projects have already been completed, and four more are currently underway, including work on water mains, power lines, and telecom systems.

Michael Lindsay, interim president of Metrolinx, emphasized collaboration with federal, provincial, and city stakeholders. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to delivering the LRT on time and on budget.

The $3.4 billion project forms part of Ontario’s wider transit development plan. It includes efforts to expand GO Transit service on core routes between the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara.

Debate Continues Over Operation of Hamilton LRT

It remains unclear who will operate the LRT once construction is complete. In 2024, Hamilton city council proposed third-party operation for the first 10 years, later transitioning control to the city.

This decision opposed the Amalgamated Transit Union’s recommendation, which had pushed for immediate municipal control. The debate continues as construction plans progress.

The route will span from McMaster University in the west to Eastgate Square in the east, featuring 17 planned stops. Hamilton expects the service to significantly boost daily transit efficiency across the city.

Source: www.cbc.ca

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