More than 15,000 drivers, cyclists and pedestrians expecting Wilkinson Road to partially reopen this month will have to keep detouring until next year as bridge work continues.
Wilkinson Road, one of Saanich’s main roadways, closed between Mann Avenue and Greenlea Drive in May to allow work on the bridge at Lindsay Street. The District of Saanich says the road portion of the project likely won’t open until February 2017.
“The limited space around the bridge has restricted the number of crews and work that can happen simultaneously,” said Harley Machielse, Saanich director of engineering.
Weather in October, one of the rainiest on record, also contributed to the delay.
“We understand the challenges this causes residents, and we appreciate the continued patience while we complete this important infrastructure project,” Machielse said in an email.
Despite the delay reopening Wilkinson, the $3.9-million bridge reconstruction is on track to be completed in February, he added.
The replacement of the 1935 bridge with a seismically safe one is part of a $6.5-million infrastructure package. The project will include boardwalks, stream restoration, cycling upgrades and a pedestrian bridge over the Colquitz River that is part of the extension of the Colquitz Trail near the Wilkinson trailhead.
Other work includes upgrades to water mains, storm drains and sanitary sewers, street and bridge lighting, a pedestrian crossing with signals, and rain gardens, ditches, landscaping and irrigation.
The cost is covered mostly by B.C. gas tax funding of $5.5 million.
