Hamilton

Upbound lanes of Claremont Access and new Keddy Access Trail to open Friday afternoon

The upbound lanes of the Claremont Access and the new Keddy Access Trail will officially open on Friday afternoon.

Keddy Access Trail was named after Jay Keddy, a cyclist killed after being hit by a pickup truck

road surrounded by trees
Beginning on Friday afternoon, the city of Hamilton will officially reopen the upbound lanes of the Claremont Access and open the new Keddy Access Trail. (Submitted by the city of Hamilton)

The upbound lanes of the Claremont Access and the new Keddy Access Trail will officially open on Friday afternoon.

The city confirmed the news in a media release on Monday afternoon after months of construction.

The repairs on the Claremont Access included resurfacing, minor bridge deck repairs, a new pedestrian signal between Southam Park, the James Street Escarpment stairs and the Keddy Access Trail.

"The completion of this project will expand travel options among residents and will provide much-needed connectivity between the lower city and mountain," Mayor Fred Eisenberger said.

Keddy Access Trail

While the gate in front of the Keddy Access trail will be open, the city doesn't want anyone to use it until all signage, pavement markings and other safety measures has been fully installed.

The trail stretches from Hunter Street to West 5th Street. It has an entry point at Hunter Street and the Claremont Access. It also has four side connections with three-metre wide asphalt trails at:

  • West Avenue (near Wellington Street).
  • St Joseph's Drive.
  • North and south sides of Arkledun Avenue/Jolley Cut.
  • Tanner Street through Southam Park.

The city said cyclists should not exceed 15 km per hour on trails, should slow down to pass others on the left side and yield to pedestrians.

The Keddy Access Trail was named in honour of Jay Keddy, a 53-year-old kindergarten teacher, avid cyclist and father of three who was struck from behind and killed by a man driving a pickup truck in December 2015.

"Jay Keddy was a family man, a teacher, a contributor to our great city and a well-liked individual in our community ... as an avid cyclist, it is fitting to have one of the city's major bike lane accesses named after Mr. Keddy. We are proud to commemorate Jay's legacy and spirit through this project," said Ward 14 councillor Terry Whitehead.

Prince of Wales kindergarten teacher Jay Keddy was struck and killed on the Claremont Access. His death has lead to changes that might make travel on that stretch of road safer for cyclists. (Twitter)