The landmark Johnson Street Bridge should be replaced not refurbished, Victoria councillors have decided.

Councillors’ approval in principle yesterday gives staff the green light to get into detailed work such as developing designs, refining costs and exploring funding options.

Only Coun. Geoff Young voted against the motion, arguing councillors don’t have enough information.

“I’m not ready to reject the rehabilitation option yet,” Young said in an interview after the decision, adding he has yet to see a “carefully done” cost comparison. “I think we need to have some more discussion and the implications for the [bridge] approaches, which I think is one of the main issues.”

Young said, however, he can see significant advantages to a new crossing, especially one that better accommodates pedestrians and cyclists, as thousands of residents are expected to move into new developments now being built in Vic West.

Consultants say refurbishing the blue bridge would cost between $25 million and $30 million and add 40 years of life, while a new bridge would cost $35 million to $40 million and likely last 100 years.

But those estimates are ballpark only. As with home renovations, no one really knows what they’re going to find until they root around the underwater timbers supporting the 85-year-old bridge.

The replacement cost estimates are for a basic structure only, and don’t include realignment of the road approaches on either side. That work alone could easily add another $10 million to the cost, city staff say.

“I’m worried — can we afford this?” said Coun. Sonya Chandler. “I don’t want to cut corners on this project. If we’re going to do it, it needs to be done well and I think the community wants that too.”

Coun. Chris Coleman said rehabilitating the existing bridge offers the advantage of phasing in construction and financing. “If we start with a new bridge, then we’re locked into a cost because once you start building a new bridge, you have to complete it.”

While some have argued the city should be looking to build a new landmark structure, Coun. Philippe Lucas said a flat-top structure would allow the skyline, rather than the bridge, to define the harbour.

Landmark means the right structure in the right place, said Coun. Pam Madoff. “It can be the most simple and graceful and elegant structure imaginable. It’s not the mass of it that makes it iconic.”

Madoff estimated the cost of replacement at $60 million and said that unless work is done to improve the movement of pedestrians and cyclists, the argument to replace the bridge isn’t compelling.

Mayor Dean Fortin said approval in principle doesn’t mean the decision is cast in stone — just that council had to decide which option to pursue.

“Council’s going to be responsible. If we go out, follow this road and find out that going with a new bridge is going to have these huge cost implications, then we’ll come back and reassess our decision,” Fortin said.

“But you make the best decision you have with the information you have available.”

The city hopes to cash in on federal-provincial stimulus funding for the project.

An assessment by consultants Delcan Corp. found the existing bridge would fail in an earthquake of any significance.

The concrete substructure is eroded, steel plates and rivet heads are significantly rusted and corroded, and the deck coating has exceeded its life span. The electrical work is obsolete and the mechanical equipment is 80 years old, with some parts becoming hard to find.

The consultants estimate it would take 18 months to two years to refurbish the bridge and two to four years to replace it.

bcleverley@tc.canwest.com