The Future Johnson Street Bridge
The Johnson Street Replacement Bridge reflects the values and amenities stated as important by Victoria citizens. It is a vital transportation link to downtown and the time has come for a significant investment to ensure the link meets the needs of our community now and in the future.
On November 20, 2010 Victoria voters gave the City permission to borrow $49.2 million to replace the bridge.
Tell me more about the Replacement Bridge – Fact Sheet [PDF 2.1 MB]
Bridge Design Concept
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Council considered three design concepts for the Johnson Street Bridge before choosing the Rolling Bascule as the winning design.
Victoria City Council made its choice following an extensive public consultation process. That process included online surveys, three City Hall Open Houses, and many opportunities at community meetings, events, coffee houses and shopping centres for public input.
(click on image for full screen view)
The Rolling bascule bridge does not pivot about a hinge point, but rolls back on curved tread plates attached to the girders of the main span.
There is the opportunity for the future Harbour Pathway link along east (downtown) side of Inner Harbour to extend [north to south] through the “wheel” to let pedestrians experience the bridge in a unique way.
The “wings” of the rolling bascule concept have been designed as a truss system, which mimics the existing Johnson Street Bridge.
The height of the top of the “wheel” from the top of the road is roughly 10 meters.
The updated estimate for replacing the Johnson Street Bridge including improved road approaches is $77 million. The Federal Government has approved funding up to $21 million through the Building Canada Fund.
The new bridge will be designed to:
- Serve Greater Victoria for an estimated 100 years
- Be built to current seismic standards
- Include on-road bike lanes; five metre multi-use trail linking Galloping Goose Trail and future E&N Rail Trail in accordance with Regional Growth Strategy and CRD TravelChoices Plan
- Widen sidewalk for increased accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers and pedestrians
- Eliminate S-curve on west side approach road
- Improve pedestrian facilities and accessibility in accordance with current standards
- Enhance liveable community objectives by complementing developments such as Dockside Green, the Railyards and the Roundhouse
- Not increase bridge lanes for general purpose traffic
- Reconfigure approach roads on east and west sides to enhance safety and provide improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities
- Incorporate Old Town Design Guidelines
- Provide for future link to Harbour Pathway under bridge
