Hamilton begins implementing traffic flow changes to make streets safer

Hamilton has begun making changes to traffic flow in the city, in its quest to prioritize road safety for everyone.

In May of this year, city council approved a motion focused on the development of further safety enhancements on major arterial roads, including the conversion of Main Street from a one-way to a two-way road.

In addition to the two-way conversion, the city says the project "includes immediate measures that focus on roadway safety improvements for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians." 

"One of the first changes you may notice is the No Right Turn on Red signage going up across various intersections on Main St., which enhances pedestrian safety by limiting vehicles encroaching onto the crosswalk and helps separate pedestrians and motorists using the intersection," a tweet from the city on Tuesday said.

Hamilton has been grappling with several collisions in recent times, some of which have resulted in the deaths of 11 pedestrians and one cyclist this year.

Last week, Hamilton Centre MP Matthew Green said the increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities is "unacceptable" and "cannot continue to go unaddressed." 

The city says its implementation plan will integrate a Complete Streets redesign that will enable safe use for all road users including public transit passengers, pedestrians, motorists and cyclists and will also incorporate a climate change lens by considering additions such as urban trees and permeable surfaces in the planning process.

The city says it will continue to share real-time updates of crews completing improvements along Main Street and King Street.