🆕 With Good Rymal and Reason: Traffic Strain? Gain A Lane (In Both Directions)!

Given the continuous consultation between Councillor Jackson and Acting General Manager Brian Hollingworth of Planning and Economic Development, Councillor Jackson is pleased to providean update on the widening of a five-kilometre stretch of Rymal Road East (between Dartnall Road and Upper James Street). Click on the second photo to see the map.

The project has already been endorsed through the City's transportation planning, development charges study, and the recently approved Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA).

Planned Improvements

1. Widening Rymal Road by one lane in each direction (starting with Dartnall Road to Upper Sherman Avenue, followed by expansion west of Upper Sherman Avenue)
2. Improving infrastructure for walking and cycling;
3. Upgrading stormwater management;
4. Supporting Rymal Road East's role as a major HSR Rapid Network (S-Line) transit corridor; and
5. Maintaining its function as a designated truck route.

The project has now moved into the detailed design phase with all outstanding EA approvals being resolved, including a Section 16 Order request for provincial review of the proposed widening.

Cost and Construction Timeline

The current estimated cost is approximately $107 million, consisting of:

1. $88 million for road reconstruction and storm sewer improvements; and
2. $19 million for other subsurface infrastructure.

Detailed design and construction tender preparation are expected to take approximately two years. The City is also advancing archaeological and geotechnical studies to speed up the process. Construction is currently planned to begin in 2028 and take approximately four years, with completion targeted for 2031. Staff are examining options to accelerate this schedule.

Construction will also need to be coordinated with other major projects, including the Stone Church Feeder Main (Watermain) project.

Growth and Potential Funding

Improvements to Rymal Road East are considered important to Hamilton's growth strategy because the corridor is a major east-west connection on the East Mountain, linking the Airport Employment Growth District, Red Hill Business Park and other areas. The project is intended to increase capacity for vehicles, transit, pedestrians and cyclists and support future residential and employment growth. The City has applied for funding through the Federal-Provincial Development Charges Reduction Program, which could provide grants covering up to 90% of eligible growth-related infrastructure costs.

Interim Road Repairs

Because the full project is still several years away, the City may undertake limited resurfacing and patching over the next one or two years to maintain the road. Staff intend to minimize improvements that would be redundant once reconstruction begins and will continue monitoring and maintaining the road under applicable minimum maintenance standards.