Plan on taking alternative routes in and out of downtown this coming week as the Dynamic Beast removes the old Johnson Street Bridge.
The crane barge, previously in town to lift large pieces of the new bridge in place, returns to Victoria for more heavy lifting — this time to help take apart the old bridge.
As with previous heavy lifts during the project, the new bridge will be closed to all vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic whenever the crane is in use.
On Monday, workers are preparing the old bridge span for lifting by the Dynamic Beast.
On Tuesday, the main span of the old bridge will be lifted to disconnect it from the counterweight tower.
The main span and west span of the old bridge will be removed on Wednesday.
The dates and times of the work are weather dependent, as the steel pieces cannot be lifted during high winds.
The scheduled closings are:
• Monday, 5:30 to 7 a.m. — crews prepare old bridge span for lifting
• Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. — main span lifted to disconnect it from the counterweight tower
• Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — main span and west span of the old bridge will be removed. If more time is needed to complete the work, the bridge will close again at 6 p.m.
It is possible work could extend to Thursday. If so, a bridge closure should be expected between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The best spots for watching the work will be near Reeson Park and the waterfront walkway near the Delta Hotel.
• For more information, go to johnsonstreetbridge.com.
