Installation of the steel rings and counterweight for the Johnson Street bridge is slated to get underway on December 8th, in about a week and a half.
The city is bringing in one of the largest cranes in Western Canada -- "The Dynamic Beast" crane barge will be stationed in the marine channel under the existing bridge for up to 5 days. The massive structure will tower high above the new bridge as it lifts and places the steel rings and the lower counterweight.
The work will result in significant impacts to the public as the bridge will be closed periodically to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles -- with closures lasting several hours.
For those wanting to view the crane at work, the best area will be from the northeast side of the bridge near Canoe Club and Mermaid Wharf -- or online on the project webcam.
The following at events of interests and expected closures times, but be aware movement of the steel parts could be impacted by weather:
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.
To view the webcam, visit www.JohnsonStreetBridge.com