Hamilton City Council recently approved an additional $750,000 in capital funding to replace the steel wall on the Sherman Cut and resurface the road, bringing the revised total construction estimate to $4.6 million.
The project budget increase will be funded through reappropriations from two other City of Hamilton projects, one of which was completed under budget and the other which is an annual project with available approved budget for 2025.
The Sherman Cut connects the Sherman Access to Crockett Street, allowing access to the rest of the Escarpment.
The steel walls of the Sherman Cut were inspected in 2020, with the resulting report finding “severe corrosion and deterioration of the steel walls, necessitating their removal and replacement,” reads a staff report.
Several sections of the street wall have reportedly already failed and other upgrades are also required such as resurfacing of the pavement and ditch reconstruction.
A total of $3.85 million was approved by Council as part of the 2024 Budget, but further geotechnical investigations identified the need for “deeper foundation caissons for steel posts” due to “poor rock quality.”
City staff say that the scope now includes “extending wall panels beneath the Concession Street and Mountain Park Avenue bridges to cover over eroded rock areas, along with installation of extra rock anchors to enhance the structural stability of these panels.”
Those extra changes resulted in the need for additional funds.
Staff say that the project requires a lead time of three to four months for material procurement.
Procurement includes the design, fabrication, and delivery of precast concrete walls and steel posts and the acquisition of specialized equipment which will be necessary for the project.
With the extra funding secured, the project is able to be tendered in 2025 and completed in 2026 “as planned.”
Staff say that the timing will help to “attract competitive bids and allow the contractor ample time to mobilize for construction.”
The project has reportedly been coordinated with other escarpment projects.
Updates to the Sherman Cut are in line with Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2025, with changes particularly supporting their goals of Sustainable Economic and Ecological Development and Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods.
The city says the investment will enhance drainage flow, improve safety, and ensure a smooth driving experience.
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