Victoria will suspend underground work near the Johnson Street Bridge to give pedestrians, cyclists and motorists a break over the holidays in December.
“It’s allowing greater access to the downtown core over the Christmas season,” said acting mayor Chris Coleman.
“It’s to make sure the downtown core remains vibrant and people can come and do all their Christmas activities.”
There have been major traffic delays and detours on roads near the bridge as utility replacement work is done by the city in advance of new roads that will be built for the new Johnson Street Bridge.
Work was originally expected to finish by the end of November; however, due to unexpected underground conditions, it is now expected to take an additional four weeks to complete, said city spokeswoman Katie Hamilton.
The downtown work will stop for three weeks starting at day’s end Dec. 6. Construction will resume downtown Dec. 30 in the areas of Wharf and Store streets from Yates Street to Fisgard Street.
Completion is now expected by mid-February 2014.
Utility replacement work is to continue in December along Harbour and Esquimalt roads but will avoid the downtown area.
Until Dec. 6, motorists can expect delays and detours as crews will concentrate on the downtown in advance of the holidays. To avoid delays, commuters are advised to take alternate routes.
Downtown Victoria Business Association general manager Ken Kelly welcomed the city initiative.
“It’s surprising that sometimes the smallest impediments can prevent shopping from taking place at this time of the year and people are looking for a quick, convenient way of getting in and getting out to do their shopping,” Kelly said.
“Some folks love to linger and some folks love to have the array of options that we have downtown, but for those who are wanting the efficient shopping experience, we want to contribute to that.”
Kelly said the DVBA will offer one hour of free parking in all five city parking garages every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21.
Victoria’s Christmas season will officially kick off Saturday with the annual lighting of the giant sequoia tree at Centennial Square, sponsored by the DVBA and the city.
Festivities between 4 and 5:30 p.m. will include performances by the Victoria Chamber Choir, City of Gardens Chorus and the Victoria Brass.
Activities will include free treats from Taste of Downtown restaurants, and the opportunity to ride the DVBA ferris wheel before the Island Farms Santa Light Parade. Ferris wheel rides will be $2.
