Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge has seen better days; that much everyone can agree upon. The 85 year-old structure–designed by Joseph Strauss, who later went on to design the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco–suffers from erosion of its foundations, corrosion of its supporting members and the mechanism that raises it to allow passage of large marine vessels is often cantankerous.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p343dEIlBlA[/youtube]
The question that divides is whether the bridge should be rehabilitated or replaced. A successful petition circulated by supporters of the first option stalled replacement plans in January.
Meanwhile, the existing crossing remains a frustration and a danger for all commuters, cyclists in particular.
A report (PDF) prepared by Susanna Grimes on behalf of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, submitted to the City of Victoria, shows that growth in bicycle traffic between 2001 and 2006 on the bridge “outpaced all other transportation modes.” Nearly 4,000 daily bicycle trips are made over the bridge during high season.
At a meeting on June 17, city council committed to seismic upgrades consistent with standards that would withstand a magnitude 8.5 earthquake.
While also committed to “seeing a commuter rail come into downtown” council voted against borrowing money to make this a reality, so the rail terminus on any new design may be in Vic West, unless “other funding sources” can be arranged.
Estimates for replacement stand at $89 million and $103 million for refurbishment. Cutting the rail option reduces replacement costs by $12 million and rehabilitation by $23 million.
A proposal by opponents of replacement to test two-lanes on the bridge do not consider how this would crowd cyclists into 1.5 metre lanes beside motor traffic, a step backwards for cycling safety on the span.
Victorians will be given the chance to vote on the issue in a November 20th referendum. Whatever decision is made, the main concern should be to provide safe and convenient passage for the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists that share the crossing.
Update, November 21, 2010:
Good sense has prevailed in the referendum. Sixty per cent of city voters favoured replacement of the old bridge. The by-election also produced a win for Marianne Alto–the sole council candidate in support of bridge replacement. VeloWebLog report
Google Streetview (City-side intersection) | City Johnson St. Bridge site | Opposition site | GVCC JSB page
Related: Motorists endangering Victoria cyclists risk apprehension
Latest Tweets
One of our bridges is pushing 100 years old. It crosses over the 406 and 12 mile creek.
It’s had many emergency repairs over the past few years, so now there is a debate as to what should be done. Replace it or completely renovate it.
I do respect the history of the bridge, however with more cars and bikes on the road, the only logical thing to do is replace it.
I don’t know for sure, however that seems to be the opinion of most.
It seems like the same situation there in Victoria. Seeing as Vic has so many bikes on the roads, it really only makes sense to replace it with a more bike/pedestrian and even car friendly bridge.
The concept of the new bridge looks horrible from a bike perspective. I mean looking at the woman and the bus, that is just way too close.
Hi Ryan
I’m not surprised that you think this depiction of the current bridge is too close for comfort for cyclists. Just to clarify, it is not actually what is being proposed by the City of Victoria; rather, by a group that opposes replacement of the bridge.
It sounds like you live in St Catherines. What is the name of the bridge you are talking about?
Thanks for the interesting video about the bridge. My list of things to do includes visiting Victoria and riding around the galloping goose trail, so I’ll have to give the bridge a try while I’m there.
Hi Susanna,
The bridge in St Catharines I’m referring to is the Burgoyne Bridge. It connects the west-end, which has a fair amount of homes, plus a growing box store area to the downtown.
Even as it is now, a fair number of bikes use it daily. The one issue is that there is no indication for cyclists are to where they should ride.
Many choose the sidewalk and and equal amount choose the road.
Great rundown of what a cyclist must do to make it over the Johnson St. bridge. Because it’s part of my daily commute, I’ve tried every one of those routes. To enter the downtown, I think I’m going to go back to using the bike/ped pathway by the hotel. At least that gives me some momentum to get up the hill ahead of the bridge with more speed. I had always felt guilty using that route since it didn’t appear to be for cyclists, what with the bunny hop off the curb into traffic. But I’m glad to learn that it’s legal.
Great video – albeit missing the route I take when leaving town on the Johnson Street Bridge. I prefer to stay on Esquimalt road until it meets Harbour Road, then turn on to Harbour road, and pedal off on the Galloping Goose. The video perfectly describes why I do not like the trail over the E&N tracks that was put in by the city – the terrible turn, problematic traffic flows and difficult rail crossing are all good reasons for staying with traffic a little further.
Thanks for all the comments, guys! Interesting to hear other variations.
I usually use roads, rather than trails/paths, except for occasionally the eastbound rail path when I’m too tired to be able to ride fast enough uphill to stay well ahead of eastbound traffic on the road (note van driver cutting in on video!)
I sometimes use Brian’s option (also part of route if heading up to Tyee), keeping in mind that at one point you are on inside curve on blind spot under the bridge.
Well done video and good commentary. It helps to emphasize the challenges of the old bridge and should help us get to the right decision. I think it’s a new bridge that is purposefully designed to make cycling safer and more appealing. Make sure to follow our referendum process and get out and vote!
Nice artist’s conception of “fixing” the bridge for cyclists.
The current bridge is hazardous, with the sketchy surface and the barriers at the right edge. I’ve been able to ride across this bridge safely for years by occupying the centre of the lane.
The thought that I should ride in a 1.5 m bicycle lane, with vehicles on my immediate left, and railings on my immediate right, so that motorists aren’t held up for a few seconds is pretty sickening. Who hates me that much?
I agree, Michael. This is one of the more preposterous suggestions to come from the preserve-the-existing-bridge camp.
Luckily, I think it’s a non-starter.
I should clarify that the artist’s conception was created by bicycle advocates to illustrate how crazy the idea is.
Comments on this entry are closed.