Johnson Street bridge takes shape in China

Victoria official checks on progress; ‘Things are looking good,’ Helps says

The release of photographs from China is offering a detailed look at the progress being made in the Johnson Street Bridge replacement project.

“Our project director, Jonathan Huggett, is in China and went to check in on the large components that are coming together,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

“By both the photographic evidence and Jonathan’s reporting, in an informal way, things are looking good.”

The components will be sent here once everything checks out, Helps said.

“They have to erect it in China first and make sure everything works before they put it in a ship.”

Helps said the bridge will be complete by the end of 2017. The cost will be at least $105 million.

Huggett’s next project update for the public and council will be on Sept. 22, Helps said.

Last month, there was another “preview” of the project when the overnight installation of a 34-metre pedestrian/cyclist span finished several hours ahead of schedule.

Helps said things have been on the upswing with the bridge for some time.

“There’s been good news, I think, for the past six or eight months. Once we got it back on track and then got the mediation done and everyone working together again, it’s going very well.”

The project has been through a number of problems, including issues with the quality of steel production in China, and had an original “fixed” budget of $63 million.

Victoria council voted for a Johnson Street Bridge replacement in 2009. Helps said the final product will serve the community for 75 to 100 years.

• Above: Aerial views of both the north and south rings being trialfitted to the north and south trusses. These form both sides of the Johnson Street Bridge structure. The components are laid flat to fit the truss to the ring.

• Right: Artist’s conception of the new bridge, including a lower walkway for pedestrians.