The final major puzzle piece for the new Johnson Street Bridge will be lifted into place this weekend – as long as high winds don't impact the work.
The massive crane barge known as the Dynamic Beast will return to lift the 46-metre-long bridge deck span into place at dawn on Saturday, according to the City of Victoria.
The crane barge moved into position Friday morning. Work will shut down the existing Johnson Street Bridge to all cyclists, pedestrians and drivers starting at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Once the major lifts are completed by Sunday, the existing bridge will be reopened to traffic.
Those who commute across the bridge should plan to use the Bay Street Bridge over the weekend, the city said.
Strong wind in the forecast could delay the installation.
According to Environment Canada, Victoria's harbour could see southeast winds of between 40 and 60 kilometres an hour Saturday morning.
The city said the new bridge, which is three years behind schedule and around $42-million over-budget, will essentially look complete once the span is in place – but there is still work to complete before it opens to public at the end of March.
The span includes three vehicle lanes, two bike lanes, a pedestrian walkway and multi-use pathway that will connect with the Galloping Goose and E&N trails.
