Residents of Victoria by the Sea will soon have a new bridge leading into their community.
“Today, we’re pleased to announce that next week work will begin to replace the Victoria Bridge,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “This bridge replacement was identified as a priority through our comprehensive bridge inspection program and we’re very pleased to have the community’s support as we move ahead with the project.”
Beginning Monday, August 31, the bridge will close to traffic. The bridge is expected to re-open to traffic in late December. Several changes have been made to speed limits and signage on the Trans-Canada Highway as drivers approach the turn onto Nelson Street, which is now the only entrance to Victoria from Route 1. The speed limit will be reduced to 60 km/h from Crapaud to approximately 5-hundred metres east of the intersection. Tourism and directional signage which had been located in the community of Hampton will also be moved to indicate the change in access. Drivers are asked to use caution on this section of the Trans-Canada.
“Officials in this Department have worked closely with residents to ensure this project creates as little disruption as possible for the community of Victoria,” said Minister MacKinley. “We ask that drivers be extra cautious turning on and off the portion of Route 1 near Nelson Street over the next few months.”
The current bridge was built in 1953. It will be replaced with a new steel beam bridge with a concrete deck. The bridge length will increase by 15 metres. The banks will also be stabilized with armour stone and sheet piles will be removed. The changes will allow for one hundred percent tidal exchange. The total cost of the project is $1.7 million.