How We Got Here
How We Got Here
On August 12, 2010, after extensive public consultation, Council decided to borrow to replace the Johnson Street Bridge. In November 2010 Victoria voters gave the City permission to borrow $49.2 million to replace the bridge.
In April 2009, the results of an overall condition assessment – [PDF 7.2MB] of the Johnson Street Bridge identified extensive corrosion in steel structural beams, obsolete mechanical and electrical systems and significant seismic vulnerability [Video WMV 6.8MB]. The comprehensive review of the bridge noted substantial investment would be required in the bridge by 2012 to avoid further deterioration, increasing operational costs and possible closure.
After consulting with the public and considering many factors including safety, accessibility, improved pedestrian and cycling amenities, heritage values, sustainability and traffic and business disruption, Council decided to replace the bridge. The federal government approved the largest federal grant in the City’s history with a $21million contribution towards the replacement project.
The engineering firm MMM Group Limited will oversee the project as project managers. MMM Group provides engineering expertise in managing bridge construction, with previous experience designing and managing completion of 12 moving bridges. In addition to engineering expertise, the consultants include an architectural and sustainability design team. A focus on sustainability and design components in the early stages will provide greater certainty and reduced risk to the project.
