A Case for Refurbishment for Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge

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On Thursday Oct 26th City of Victoria Council voted to approve an amended borrowing bylaw ($42 million vs the previous $63 million) to replace Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge, with a Federal grant of $21 million to equal the estimated cost of the replacement project. The largest in Victoria history.

Frank Nelson outlines case for refurbishment

Planned well ahead of the rapidly moving forces to push the replacement forward, we had arranged for a qualified, experienced – even expert bridge engineer to make the case that the Blue Bridge could be refurbished as is, accommodate many of the issues for access and ‘on deck’ improvements, and at a far less cost. Enter Frank Nelson – a Seattle based engineer who has experience on over 25 historical bridge restorations, was the head of that service for the State of Oregon, and researched all the available material on the Johnson Street Bridge.

Mr. Nelson was invited to Victoria to inform the public through media interviews, an open public meeting, and conversations with council members and stakeholders, that a refurbishment option for the bridge was as viable as replacement, and would save money in the short and long term. Download Frank Nelson’s Presentation (PDF 11 MB)

The main points….

• Bridge Closures – the estimate of 6 to 18 months of bridge closures to re-paint, and structurally upgrade the bridge are unsound. A fast track process (2 years) for all major works, ‘might’ result in a total of 3 months, but extended period works could allow for all traffic (on deck and marine) to pass with no closures. Even with a fast track, many of the closures would be during low traffic and night periods – pass the problem to contractors, and they will come up with solutions. Success in many other projects, why not here?
• Bridge Longevity – the argument that a refurbished bridge would ‘last’ 40 years, a replacement 100 years is not an engineering qualification. It depends on materials and maintenance for either option. Within 15 to 20 years any bridge option will require new paint and by the 30 year mark the refurbishment vs replacement cost mark equalizes.
• Seismic Upgrades – Using a Phase 1 and 2 approach a bridge can be ‘safed’ for the immediate and worst case scenarios, by spreading the work and costs over a set, but short period.
• Bridge Decking – improving the access and deck requirements for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians can easily be accomplished by using materials which actually lighten the bridge weight load, and decrease ongoing maintenance costs. That may allow the possibility of widening with cantilevers to extend pedestrian and cyclist routing.
• Cost – with substantial improvements and modifications (even expansion) the refurbishment option is typically 1/3rd of replacement, with the same lifespan and maintenance costs as a replacement.
• Historical Significance – The Johnson Street Bridge is the last remaining twin bacsule bridge of its kind. It is unique. It can be refurbished at less cost than replacement, it can be upgraded to meet seismic and engineering standards, it can be modified to meet most of the ‘wants’ without losing the historical definition – and at a lower short and long term cost than replacement.

Media – A whirlwind day of interviews -  CFAX (podcast of the interview)

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Video – Frank Nelson on the Johnson Street Bridge, and with local Victoria BC Media. A- Channel, CHEK TV, CBC Radio, Victoria News

The Public Meeting

On Tuesday Novemeber 3rd at Ambrosia Centre – Frank Nelson presented a slide show of historical bridge refurbishment projects, and demonstrated how techniques could be used to mitigate environmental, financial, closure, safety and longevity concerns. The meeting was standing room only (over 90 ), with City of Victoria Councilors in attendance. The public meeting was sponsored by Focus Magazine and the Hallmark Society.

Video – Question and Answers

Thanks go out to the City of Victoria councilors who attended the public meeting. To all who attended, and the volunteer organizers. Ultimately, we thank Frank Nelson, who volunteered his time to travel to Victoria, and dedicate a fully packed two days with media, meetings and conversations.

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