Welcome

Welcome to the Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project eNews. This newsletter will keep you updated on the project progress, construction activities and opportunities to get involved and learn more.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone you know who is interested in the Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project. To view previous issues, click HERE.

Work Begins to Make Way for New Bridge

Contractors have started work to relocate the communication lines which service Victoria West, Esquimalt and the Department of National Defence and to remove the Johnson Street Rail Bridge and 500 ton counterweight. The work will take place over the next four months and will be completed by the end of March 2012.

The communication line work will be completed first as in-water work is limited to certain times of the year. The rail bridge and counterweight will be removed in mid-February.

Telus is currently working with their contractor on the west side of the bridge to complete in-ground work and trenching associated with the relocation of the communication lines. Work on the east side of the bridge will commence in the next couple of weeks.

Main contractor Ruskin Construction has hired several local subcontractors and will work with a crew of about 20 to complete the communication line relocation and rail bridge removal. City staff and Telus contractors will also be onsite for this work.

How Will This Affect My Commute?

Staff will work closely with Ruskin Construction to ensure that marine users, neighbouring businesses, residents and those who will be affected by construction are kept informed and potential impacts are mitigated. There are no immediate traffic impacts expected. Marine user will receive regular updates on work that may affect marine channel access. Travel information will be posted on the project website.

Esquimalt and Harbour Road Signal Crossing

This week, City crews completed the installation of a new pedestrian and cyclist signal crossing at the intersection of Esquimalt and Harbour Roads. The push-button activated signal will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to connect between Harbour Road and the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge and for cyclists to access the bridge from the roadway. The new signal crossing replaces the existing route off Harbour Road over the rail overpass, which will become a construction area.

The detour will remain in place until the new Johnson Street Bridge is complete and open to traffic in 2016. Motorist, pedestrians, and cyclist are advised to exercise caution while becoming familiar with the new intersection.

Everyday, the Johnson Street Bridge sees approximately 4,000 pedestrian and 3,000 cyclist crossings, in addition to 23,000 motor vehicle trips.

For more information on the signal crossing, including a map of the new route click HERE

Public Involvement

Over the next several months, the City will be consulting with the public and stakeholders in regards to final design elements including landscaping, pathways, accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians and those with mobility challenges.

Updates on the project be posted in the eNews as well as the project website, the City’s Twitter and Facebook pages, and through the media.