Full City of Hamilton statement: "Update: Claremont Access"

The City of Hamilton issued the following statement at 1145hrs today:

Update: Claremont Access

HAMILTON, ON – February 23, 2012 – The Public Works Department is continuing to respond to a wall failure that occurred along the embankment of the downbound Claremont Access yesterday afternoon.  City crews remained onsite overnight to monitor the situation and ensure the site was safe.  A contractor has begun clearing operations today to remove the material and debris. ****

Downbound lanes will remain closed until the City assesses the potential risk for failure of the adjacent walls.  More details will be forthcoming about the duration of the lane closures.  The cause of the wall failure is still unknown at this time.  Structural and geotechnical engineers are onsite again today to continue their investigation to determine the cause and identify next steps.****

More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.