Delays on the Chemainus River Bridge are to be expected next month as construction crews finish structural repairs starting Nov. 12, for approximately three weeks.
In a social media post, North Cowichan mayor Rob Douglas says most of the repairs to the structure have been completed and the remainder was supposed to be underway, but a few delays have pushed it back.
“Kingston Construction Ltd. initially communicated the work would begin on Oct. 21, but due to a delay in bearing supply it plans to start work on Nov. 12,” he says. “Work will begin with minor repairs on the northbound arch bridge, which will require a full-time lane closure of the northbound slow lane for approximately three weeks.”
He adds both bridges will be closed, at alternating times, to finish the work needed and it could take a considerable amount of time to finish.
“After the concrete repairs are done the median will be reinstated which will close off traffic on the northbound lanes for approximately 1.5 months, starting at the end of November,” he says. “After the northbound lanes are done the median will flip and the southbound lanes will be closed for another 1.5 months.”
According to Douglas, the repairs needed are to repair concrete work and replace a seismic bearing.
Work is expected to be finished in late February.
