Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who used one of Saanich’s main roadways will welcome this news. The Wilkinson Bridge has been replaced and Wilkinson Road will re-open to the public on Friday, February 24 at 2 p.m.
Wilkinson Road was closed between Mann Avenue and Greenlea Drive back in June 2016, while crews began a $6.5-million project to replace the 81-year-old Wilkinson Bridge – affecting up to 15,000 drivers daily.
“The Wilkinson Bridge Replacement and Colquitz Trail Extension Project replaces a critical piece of transportation infrastructure while providing new bike lanes, sidewalks, trails and upgrades to utility services,” said Harley Machielse, Director of Engineering.
“Opening the bridge to the public is a major milestone for this project, and we appreciate the public’s cooperation throughout the construction process.”
The District of Saanich says final landscaping, planting, and some minor tasks will be completed over the coming weeks.
The impact to the traffic is expected to be minimal; however, the staff is asking the public to be aware of crews and flaggers as they begin to use the new bridge. Periodic traffic delays may be possible.
The 1935 bridge Wilkinson Bridge was replaced with a new seismically upgraded bridge, that will include new bike lanes, and sidewalks.
The $6.5-million project also includes upgrades to underground utilities, stream restoration, and the extension of the Colquitz River Trail near the Wilkinson trailhead.
Other work includes upgrades to water mains, storm drains and sanitary sewers, street and bridge lighting, a pedestrian crossing with signals.
The cost is covered mostly by B.C. gas tax funding of $5.5 million.
Quick Facts
- The total budget for the Wilkinson Bridge and Colquitz Trail Project is $6.5 million.
- The original bridge was installed in 1935.
- Bridge construction was completed from June 2016 to February 2017.
- The new bridge is 15 m long and 14.6 m wide.
- Construction was completed Don Mann Excavating Ltd. and Jacob Brothers Construction.
- 415 cubic meters of concrete was used to build the new bridge.
- New sidewalks were installed on both sides of Wilkinson Road and Lindsay Street. 340 meters of new on-road bike lanes were also installed.
- All street lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting.
- The extended Colquitz River Trail will be 465 meters long. Streamside enhancements will also be made.
