Johnson Street Bridge closed for much of today

A prefabricated bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, part of the Johnson Street Bridge project, is being installed this weekend over Esquimalt Road, just east of Harbour Road, near the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort.

Because of the work, the Johnson Street Bridge was closed to motor vehicle traffic on Friday evening and will remain closed until at least 6 p.m. today.

The pedestrian bridge is being lifted into place using a large crane that takes up the width of Esquimalt Road, blocking vehicle access to the Johnson Street Bridge.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the Johnson Street Bridge. Marine traffic is not affected. Bus routes 15, 24 and 25 are crossing the Bay Street Bridge.

Approaches are being built for the new Johnson Street Bridge, and the pedestrian bridge is a part of that work.

The steel pedestrian bridge, made in Greeley, Colorado, is five metres wide and 34 metres long, and is painted light grey to match the new Johnson Street Bridge. It is being secured today, a task that will include the pouring of concrete this morning.

Pedestrians and cyclists will use the bridge to get on and off the new Johnson Street Bridge. It will also make access easier for people going between the Galloping Goose Trail and the E&N Trail.

The new Johnson Street Bridge will have a multi-use path on one side that connects to the bridge over Esquimalt Road, and a pedestrian-only path on the other side.

After several postponements, the latest estimate for completion of the Johnson Street Bridge project is early 2018. The bridge’s concrete foundation is being built this summer. Total cost is expected to be at least $105 million. The existing Johnson Street Bridge will continue to be used until the new one, being built alongside to the north, is ready.