Bye bye, blue bridge!
Starting next week, the old Johnson Street bridge will slowly disappear from the Victoria landscape.
The Dynamic Beast crane barge, which assisted with the construction of the new bridge, will return to Victoria to help decommission and remove parts of the old blue bridge.
The massive crane barge will be parked in the marine channel under both bridges for periods of time on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which means drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will need to find alternate routes.
Only Open During Rush Hours
As with previous heavy lifts that have taken place during the project, whenever there is a possible risk to public safety there will be a full closure to vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic across the bridge.
On Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18, the new bridge will only be opened to vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic during the morning and afternoon rush hours from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Schedule:
The City’s contractor, PCL, has estimated that the major steel lifts and necessary closures of the new Johnson Street Bridge will be as follows. However, the dates and times depend on weather, as the bridge pieces cannot be lifted in high winds.
If more time is required to complete the dismantling, the closure of the crossing will repeat the previous day’s schedule.
Monday (April 16)
- Both bridges will be raised to allow Dynamic Beast to be moved into place.
- Full closure (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) in effect from 5:30 to 7 a.m., with new bridge open after that for rest of day.
Tuesday (April 17)
- Full closure in effect 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., new bridge open for afternoon rush hour 4 to 6 p.m. then crossing closed for rest of day.
Wednesday (April 18)
- Crossing open for morning rush hour 7 to 9 a.m., then fully closed to 4 p.m. If crane barge has not left the site by 4 p.m., an additional closure after 6 p.m. may be required.
