Johnson Street bridge will be closed to vehicles for 24 hours this weekend, while crews install the new pedestrian bridge that will cross above Esquimalt Road, just east of Harbour Road.
During this time, people walking or riding bikes will still be able to access and cross the existing Johnson Street Bridge, but will be detoured around the construction site at the Esquimalt/Harbour intersection.
The closure to vehicle traffic is necessary as the installation requires a large crane that takes up the entire road width of Esquimalt Road. Traffic control staff will be on-site coordinated on both sides of the Johnson Street Bridge to assist drivers and other road users during the closure period. Marine traffic will not be impacted by the work.
The work will take place from Friday August 19 at 6 p.m. until Saturday August 20 at 6 p.m.
City of Victoria said information boards will be placed throughout the affected areas on the east and west sides of the bridge to reroute vehicle drivers as needed. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. Some noise and lights around the construction area should also be expected during the 24 hour period.
The bridge closure has been scheduled to take place on a Friday during lower traffic volume periods, to minimize impacts to road users.
The new pedestrian bridge marks a significant milestone in the project and once opened will serve as an important regional walking and cycling route, providing the future connection between the Galloping Goose Trail and the E&N Trail. Once installed, the new pedestrian/cyclist bridge will be 16 feet wide and 113 feet long.
The pedestrian bridge will be painted gray to match the colour of the new Johnson Street Bridge.
