Friday is "D" day for the equipment installation for the new Johnson Street Bridge project.
We are being told the giant crane "The Dynamic Beast" will be moved from Ogden Point into its position under the existing bridge starting at first light, between 7:20 and 7:40 a.m. Project Director, Jonathan Huggett tells us he is hoping the bridge will only be closed for about 20 mins while the crane is brought through.
Huggett says Saturday and Sunday there will be longer bridge closures, possibly up to three hours, while the crane lifts and installs some giant rings onto the bridge.
"I mean, these rings are 290 tonnes each, so you don't casually hook onto them and lift them. There is a whole process. So, if they get it up into the air and things are working well, you know, we are hoping a couple of hours. But if there are hiccups--and with something like this, there are always going to be hiccups."
The crane will remain in place for five days to work on installing equipment for the new JSB. Bridge closures are planned for three of those days.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are being advised to use the Bay Street Bridge.