The Climbs Get Treated First
The Niagara Escarpment splits Hamilton into an upper and a lower city, and the roads that climb it are called escarpment accesses. The City puts them in its top winter class with major arterials, aiming for bare roads no more than four hours after the storm ends. Getting there takes a lot of salt and sand, and cars on the climbs collect plenty of it.
Why the Accesses Are Different
A city on two levels
The escarpment runs across the whole width of Hamilton, and its highest point is about 250 metres above Lake Ontario (Wikipedia). Most trips between the Mountain and the lower city use an access, one of the parkways or the 403.
Closures happen
Accesses can close for reasons other than snow. In May 2019 the City shut the McNeilly Road escarpment access in both directions because of falling rocks and debris. Current closures are posted on the City's lane restrictions and road closures page.
Grimsby has steep hills too
East along the lake, the Town of Grimsby treats its Woolverton and Park Road hills with anti-icing liquid before storms and may close them in severe conditions, directing drivers to Mountain Street (Town of Grimsby).
Grades, Grit and Brakes
Lower panels take the spray
Climbing a treated hill in slush flings material from the tires onto rockers, lower doors and wheel arches. Those are the panels to rinse first.
Wheels and brake dust
Long descents mean more braking, and brake dust mixed with salt bakes onto wheels. Clean them with a product made for wheels and rinse well.
Smooth driving helps
Ontario advises steering gently and avoiding hard braking and quick acceleration on slippery roads (ontario.ca). On a climb, smoother driving also throws less slush up onto your own car.
Common Questions
Which roads count as escarpment accesses?
The City uses the term for the roads that climb between the lower city and the Mountain. The lookup on its snow clearing page shows the winter class of any street, the accesses included.
Are the accesses cleared before my street?
Yes. They sit in the top class with major arterials. Neighbourhood streets follow, and the City gives itself a day to finish them once the storm is over.
What should I do after a week of climbing through slush?
Rinse the lower half of the car and the wheel wells as soon as it is mild enough, then wash. If salt has dried into the carpets, see salt stains on leather and carpet.
Related Pages
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