The City of Quesnel has received $6 million through the Canada Community-Building Fund to use towards the Johnson Bridge renewal project. The Johnston Bridge is one of the 45 projects across B.C. to receive funding from the Government of Canada for a total investment of $103.5 million. The funding is in addition to the permanent source of funding the City receives twice a year through the Canada Community-Building Fund.
In October 2018, the City was made aware of the deterioration of the Johnston Bridge which lead to a temporary closure of all traffic. It was then re-opened with a 10-tonne weight restriction. Since then, the City has been working with inspection agencies and engineering professionals to assess its condition.
This year, the City is finalizing the project designs and continuing to coordinate with Telus and Fortis Gas regarding planning and engineering for the removal/relocation of their utilities to complete bridge repairs.
This project will include the replacement of the bridge bearings, plates, light bracing, railing and sidewalk, along with structural repairs to the girders and cross bracing. The City will also replace a 50+-year-old watermain that crosses the bridge. This project is expected to take two years to complete; the utility removals and relocations in 2024 and the major bridge repairs in 2025.
The estimated cost of the entire project is approximately $11.4 million. The remaining funding ($5.4 million) for the project will come from the City’s Utility Reserve Funds and Capital Reinvestment Reserve. Repairing the Johnston Bridge will add an estimated 25 years of service life.
The Johnston Bridge serves as an important secondary crossing of the Quesnel River for emergency management as well as link utility infrastructure to Johnston Subdivision and beyond.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during final planning and construction. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Ron Paull - Mayor of the City of Quesnel stated:
"The Johnston Bridge is an important asset to the community, and the upgrade will allow residents and businesses to use this route well into the future. With this grant funding and Council’s strategic budgeting, it is welcome news to many that this project is moving forward as the Johnston Bridge restoration posed a large financial challenge for the City.”
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The Canada Community-Building Fund is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities. For more information on the program, please visit: https://bit.ly/3YRKYyE
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