Wilkinson Road bridge reopens today in Saanich

After eight months of detours, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can once again travel over the Wilkinson Bridge.

The new bridge, built to replace the 1935 original, is scheduled to open today at 2 p.m.

At 15 metres long, the bridge is almost as wide it is long and nearly double the width of the original.

Saanich also added new bike lanes, sidewalks and trails, as well as energy-efficient LED street lights as part of the $6.5-million project, said engineering director Harley Machielse.

New sidewalks were added on both sides of Wilkinson Road and Lindsay Street, and 465 metres of new Colquitz River trail and 340 metres of new on-road bike lanes were constructed.

“Opening the bridge to the public is a major milestone for this project and we appreciate the public’s co-operation throughout the construction process,” Machielse said.

Landscaping, planting and some other tasks will be completed over the coming weeks. Short traffic delays are possible, and road users are asked to keep an eye out for crews and flaggers.

All but $1 million for the bridge and trail project came from provincial gas tax revenues.

Construction was completed Don Mann Excavating Ltd. and Jacob Brothers Construction.