Since Metrolinx released an updated conceptual design for the Hamilton LRT project in May 2025, the City of Hamilton has been compiling their recommendations.
The 40-page conceptual design, which can be viewed here, shows the initial street plan for the entire 14-kilometre LRT route.
The May 2025 document replaces the previous 2017 concept design.
Metrolinx says that the LRT will move approximately 50,000 riders daily and that it will also bring an “enhanced streetscape” through the corridor.
Indeed, the conceptual design shows new lane configurations and new pedestrian crossings.
The LRT will also tunnel under a railroad crossing on King Street East near Gage Avenue South to avoid conflict with freight trains.
As Metrolinx is the project owner of the Hamilton LRT, they are responsible for project delivery functions, including design and construction.
However, the City LRT Project Office has reportedly been working with Councillors, dedicated LRT staff and city-wide experts to review the updated design and provide comments for Metrolinx’s consideration during the Development Phase.
The city adds that comments on the LRT guideway, stops, and systems will be provided at a later date once Metrolinx develops and shares that information.
They also note that the conceptual design from Metrolinx does not currently incorporate any city betterment items, such as new biking infrastructure, which would be funded by the city and would be presented to Council for approval prior to their integration into the design.
City staff annotated the Metrolinx document with their feedback, a document which can be viewed here.
Staff say that the improvements they identify are meant to improve the pedestrian environment, cycling facilities, connectivity, transit connectivity, streetscape elements, the traffic network, and infrastructure.
Staff comments include recommendations for 12 different parkette/plaza sites along the route.
They also recommend the addition of tree plantings at various locations along the route, strategic placement of waste receptacles, and the protection of Gore Park trees adjacent to King Street East.
A previous report has indicated that as many as 600 trees along the King-Main-Queenston corridor will be cut down to accommodate LRT construction.
At a short bump out to allow for storage tracks on King Street East at Gage Avenue, staff recommend the provision of a decorative and/or green barrier separating the storage tracks from the pedestrian area.
Staff also want a decorative component in the barrier walls separating the LRT underpass east of Gage Avenue from the pedestrian area to the north.
The city also wants to add 10 pedestrian signals to the LRT design and accommodate cyclists and dual crosswalks at different locations.
As far as cycling infrastructure is concerned, staff recommend replacing street-level cycling lanes on Main Street West near McMaster University with an elevated cycle track.
Other recommendations include improving road, sidewalk, and crosswalk geometries.
Despite the recommendations, the final design for the project is still expected to be years away.
Metrolinx has split up the project into two phases.
On May 21, 2025, the province announced the release of the Request for Proposals for Civil and Utilities Works along the route.
The scope includes work such as utility relocations, roadworks, structures, grade separations, bridges, sidewalks, and traffic control signals.
Once proposals are evaluated, a contract will be awarded to enter the Development Phase.
A separate contract will be awarded at a later date and will involve the installation of train infrastructure, including tracks and signals.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
