Point Ellice Bridge Closure Starts May 21

Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2019
For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, BC — The Point Ellice Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic in the eastbound direction (towards downtown) starting Tuesday, May 21 after 9 a.m. until approximately the end of October. The closure is necessary to safely complete comprehensive upgrades to the bridge to ensure it serves the community for decades to come.

Pedestrian and wheelchair access will be maintained at all times during the project and eastbound cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes across with pedestrians. Cyclists and pedestrians using the Galloping Goose Trail may experience minor delays as equipment is moved into place. The trail will remain open for the duration of the project.

Emergency services have been consulted as part of the traffic management process to minimize disruptions to service and BC Transit has already rerouted bus service. Full bridge closures are not planned, but may be necessary on rare occasions during the project and will be coordinated as information becomes available.

The public is advised to use caution while travelling near the construction zone and obey all signage. Local access will be maintained adjacent to the bridge to businesses and homes in the area and the City and its contractor will work to minimize disruptions during the course of the project.

The $6.1 million project includes repairs to the concrete deck, rust protection of the steel, resurfacing the bridge deck and stripping and painting the steel on the underside of the bridge. Changes will be made to traffic signal operations at the adjacent Johnson Street Bridge to help accommodate the increased traffic.

For more information about the Point Ellice Bridge Rehabilitation Project visit: victoria.ca/pointellicebridge.