City of Hamilton closes downbound lanes of Claremont Access due to erosion concerns

The downbound lanes of the Claremont Access have been closed between Hunter Street and Upper James Street, the City of Hamilton announced Wednesday.

In a news release the city saidthe decision to close the lanes was taken "to safely address an urgent erosion and slope stability concern."

According to the city, concerns about the stability of the escarpment in this area were raised through a routine inspection conducted earlier this week and have been identified as needing immediate attention in the interest of ensuring the ongoing safety of the Claremont Access walls.

The city gave no specific timeline for the lane closures, only that it will remain in place "until further notice."

"The city understands this closure is challenging and results in longer commutes into the downtown core," the news release reads.

"The city is doing everything to reopen the downbound lanes as quickly as possible to limit the inconvenience to motorists and HSR passengers, however, this work must be done immediately to proactively ensure the continued safety of the Claremont Access."

City to setformal detour

In a tweet Wednesday evening, HSR said buses travelling on the Claremont Access can expect major delays while crews complete repairs, but it's unclear which bus routes HSR is referring to.

Bus routes 20,27 and others take theJolley Cut andJames Mountain Road.

In the tweet HSRurges commuters to "allow extra time for travel."

The city said Thursday afternoon a detour plan has been established using Fennell Avenue Eastand Upper Wellington Street to travel down the Jolley Cut.

The city says it will provide an update once a reopening date has been confirmed.