The province is now promising Hamilton's visibly under-construction GO station will open early - never mind just in time for the Pan Am Games.

The status of the $50-million station on James Street North has been an increasingly popular topic of debate as major construction continues with time ticking down to Hamilton's three-week soccer extravaganza in July.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said in early June the station would be open in time for the Games - although provincial transportation agency Metrolinx clarified that likely meant one of two accessible platforms, with a temporary elevator if necessary.

The minister upped the ante for doubting Hamiltonians Monday, announcing on Twitter GO train service would now reach the station "4 days early: July 9!" - earning an array of supportive and disbelieving responses.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger - who earlier this month publicly mused about whether the station would be ready in time - thanked Del Duca and Hamilton MPP Ted McMeekin.

"I am ready to cut the Ribbon! Thanks for keeping #HamOnt on track!" he tweeted.

Another resident, going by the Twitter handle @DomCeleste, wryly suggested "ribbon cutters better be wearing rubber boots. Drive by on the weekend it looks nothing like the photo."

Work continued in early June on both train platforms, the still-skeletal towers linking train users to street level and the glass-heavy building itself.

Construction was delayed early on by the mistaken dumping of concrete into a city sewer and a delayed rebuild by CN of the nearby Bay Street bridge.

But a second phase of construction was always anticipated after the games, Metrolinx has said, to include a 300-spot parking structure and pedestrian bridge to Bay.

A second platform on the south side of the tracks will still be under construction after the Games, along with the pedestrian plaza, a bus loop and linked walking and bike paths.