Johnson Street Bridge Replacement

WSP

Victoria, BC

When it was time to replace its historic Johnson Street Bridge, the City of Victoria selected WSP to provide project management, design and construction administration services for a new iconic structure. A unique feature of this 100-year bridge is the rolling bascule design with hidden counterweights which allow the main span of the bridge to rotate on the outer surface of its two rings about a “virtual” centre axle. The massive 3,000 tonne moveable span is operated by 3 high torque, low speed 75 kW hydraulic pumps motors. From the operator’s hut, the moveable span can be raised or lowered in 90 seconds. The overall project involved the creation of a myriad of new roadway, walkways, cycling paths and public gathering spaces that have created vibrancy and renewal in the area. As Canada's largest single leaf bascule bridge, it provides improved seismic resiliency, community connections and marine access while respecting the heritage legacy of the old “Blue” bridge. In selecting this project, the jury noted how it differed significantly with traditional lift-bridge design. The team created an elegant landmark that incorporates operations into its architecture to replace an iconic, community-valued structure.