A 14-Kilometre Corridor Under Work
The Hamilton LRT will run about 14 kilometres from McMaster University to Eastgate Square, and work along the corridor is under way. For 2026 the City lists watermain projects for the line, a full closure of Main Street East at Ottawa Street from August 17, and utility inspections along the route until December 31. Construction zones mean detours, mud, dust and grit on your car.
The 2026 Work the City Lists
Main and Ottawa
The City says the intersection of Main Street East and Ottawa Street North closed fully from Monday, August 17, 2026, for early work on watermains, sewers and Bell infrastructure, lasting about four months. Westbound Main traffic detours north on Kenilworth Avenue and west on Cannon Street; eastbound traffic takes King Street at the Delta.
Enabling works
Metrolinx funds enabling works, some delivered through City contracts. For the 2026 season the City lists trunk watermain work on Nash Road at Queenston Road, a watermain move to Rosewood Road and Main Street East, and watermains on Main Street East from Grosvenor Avenue to London Street.
Utility inspections
From August 31 to December 31, 2026, crews are checking locations along the future route seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm, with marked or fenced work areas and some HSR stops closed at times.
Dealing With Construction Grime
Mud and dust
Excavation leaves mud on the road and dust in the air. In wet weather it ends up on the lower panels; in dry weather it settles on every flat surface.
Never wipe it dry
Construction dust is abrasive. Wiping it off a dry car with a cloth or duster is how fine scratches start. Rinse first.
Parking near the work
Cars parked close to a work zone collect more of it. If you live along the corridor, a ceramic coating makes regular rinsing easier, and exterior detailing can deep-clean what has built up.
Common Questions
Where can I check current LRT closures?
The City's Light Rail Transit pages list the enabling works and the Main and Ottawa closure updates. Metrolinx, which owns and delivers the project, runs a Hamilton community engagement team at 905-521-1003.
Is construction dust bad for paint?
The dust alone is not usually the problem. Rubbing it into the clear coat is. Rinse with plenty of water before any washing or wiping.
Can a work zone chip my paint?
Loose gravel at low speed is less of a risk than highway stones, but trucks leaving a site can still shed debris. Keep your distance from them.
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