Queen Street South two-way conversion to begin Monday

The long-discussed conversion of collision-prone Queen Street South to a two-way street is set to begin June 8.

While the city has chosen to pause 130 construction projects in the city, the Queen Street conversion gets pandemic priority as it's expected to enhance safety" in the neighbourhood.

The conversion will affect Queen Street South from Aberdeen Avenue to King Street West. The project will improve eight intersections, including either new installation or upgrades of traffic signals, roadway reconstruction, curb and sidewalk reconstruction and pavement markings.

New traffic signals will be added to Queen Street South at Duke Street, Herkimer Street and Napier Street. While signals at Queen and King Street West, Main Street West, Hunter Street West, Charlton Avenue West and Aberdeen Avenue will be upgraded.

The city of Hamilton has set up a website to keep citizens abreast of the conversion. According to the site, the first phase will focus on Main Street West to Aberdeen Avenue and is expected to last until October.

It's anticipated that the second phase will be complete in November with Coco Paving Inc. having been awarded the $1.34-million contract.

The aim of the project is to reduce speed and traffic collisions and increase safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Delaney Caulfield is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach her via email: dcaulfield@thespec.com