VICTORIA, BC – The skyline around the new Johnson Street Bridge will be transformed with the arrival of one of the largest cranes in Western Canada in early December. The Dynamic Beast crane barge is scheduled to be parked in the marine channel under the existing bridge for up to five days tentatively starting December 8. The massive crane barge will tower high above the new bridge as it lifts and places the steel rings and the lower counterweight into the bascule pier.
Over the course of those five days, the public will be able to view the Dynamic Beast lifting the lower counterweight and steel rings into the bascule pier. During the major steel ring and counterweight lifts there will be significant impacts to the public as the existing Johnson Street Bridge will be periodically closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. These closures could be several hours in length and are necessary to ensure public safety. The best view of the construction activities will be from the northeast side of the bridge near Canoe Club and Mermaid Wharf or online on the project webcam.
Day 1
- The Dynamic Beast crane barge will pass under the current bridge into the Upper Harbour
- An approximate 45-minute closure of the existing bridge will occur sometime between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Day 2
- The Dynamic Beast crane barge will be positioned in the channel under the existing bridge. An approximate 45-minute closure of the existing bridge will occur sometime between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- The Dynamic Beast crane barge will also lift the lower counterweight and north ring into the bascule pier
- Intermittent bridge closures will occur for several hours between 9:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Day 3
- The Dynamic Beast crane barge will lift the south ring into the bascule pier and depart Victoria
- Intermittent closures will occur between 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and an approximate 45-minute closure will occur when the crane barge exits from under the current bridge between 2:45 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Note: The dates and times above are subject to change and are weather dependent as the steel pieces cannot be lifted during high winds.
During these bridge closures, significant traffic delays are expected and drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should plan to use the Bay Street Bridge. Information boards will be placed on the east and west sides of the bridge to advise the public of the delays and some noise and additional lighting around the construction area should also be expected during the construction period. Emergency services and BC Transit have also been notified and some bus routes will be altered. (https://mirrorspectator.com)
To accommodate this work, the marine channel under the Johnson Street Bridge will also be closed to all marine traffic while the Dynamic Beast is parked in the marine channel. This closure applies to all vessels including industrial and commercial vessels, and smaller boats such as sailboats, canoes, and kayaks.
The steel rings are part of the main superstructure pieces that make up the new bridge. The lower counterweight is one of the main pieces that help raise and lower the new bridge. In January, the bridge deck span, currently on a barge being worked on in Victoria’s Upper Harbour, will be attached to the rings.
For the latest information on the project or to view the webcam, visit www.JohnsonStreetBridge.com
For More Information:
Rebecca Penz
Citizen Engagement Advisor
250.661.0085
