Colwood closes bridge that accesses Esquimalt Lagoon due to weather

High tides and adverse weather has created limited access to Esquimalt Lagoon Tuesday.

In a Facebook post, the City of Colwood announced it has taken proactive measures to ensure public safety amidst escalating tides and storm surges by temporarily closing the Lagoon Bridge.

The closure aims to mitigate potential hazards for both drivers and pedestrians, primarily due to the risk of logs being propelled onto the bridge deck.

The decision to close the Lagoon Bridge, which connects Ocean Boulevard and Lagoon Road, has been prompted by the current adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, Ocean Boulevard, in the vicinity of Fort Rodd Hill, will also be inaccessible until further notice.

Officials have urged the public to refrain from accessing the Lagoon Beach area to avoid potential risks posed by the ongoing weather-related challenges.

Updates regarding the situation are anticipated later in the day, pending the recession of the tide.

The strong winds near the water also forced the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) to close access to the Breakwater for the remainder of the day.

“Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, and out of an abundance of precaution, the [GVHA] has closed the Breakwater upper and lower pathways,” they said in a media release.

Whiffin Spit Park is also closed to visitors due to hazardous conditions caused by high winds and tides. The area is experiencing the washing up of significant debris, notably logs, which poses potential risks to anyone in the vicinity.

By Tuesday evening, the strong winds should be reduced to around 20 km/h on average.