Design
In September 2009 City Council chose a design for a replacement bridge.
Replacement 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.
After carefully reviewing public feedback, recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Panel and advice from a staff technical committee, City Council decided on the Rolling Bascule Bridge.
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.
Updated image of the new Rolling bascule design
(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 operation when opening or closing.
The “wings” of the rolling bascule concept have been designed as a truss system, which mimics the existing Johnson Street Bridge.
In this design, the “wheel” has the counterweight mass on top, towards the back of the wheel, which allows less power to be used to lift the span.
The height of the top of the “wheel” from the top of the road is roughly 10 meters.
The original estimate, developed in May 2009, for replacing the Johnson Street Bridge with this rolling bascule bridge and improved road approaches was $63 million. The Federal Government has approved 1/3 funding through the Building Canada Fund. Due to the new extended timeline an updated cost estimate for the replacement option is required and will be developed over the coming months.
If Council chooses to replace the Johnson Street Bridge with this rolling bascule 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
- Include wider rail corridor to five metres
- 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
- Align railway to the south side of the proposed bridge
