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Courtenay bridge users can expect delays for concrete pouring

A major step closer to completion of the 5th Street Bridge Project, the contractor will soon pour new concrete on the north lane of the bridge deck. The bridge and sidewalks will remain open; however, drivers should expect major delays for 24 hours, including during and after the concrete is poured.
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The contractor will soon pour new concrete on the north lane of the 5th Street Bridge deck. File photo

A major step closer to completion of the 5th Street Bridge Project, the contractor will soon pour new concrete on the north lane of the bridge deck. The bridge and sidewalks will remain open; however, drivers should expect major delays for 24 hours, including during and after the concrete is poured.

Weather permitting, the first pour could occur this week. (Due to Monday’s storm, the original first pour date of Tuesday, Dec. 7, had to be postponed.)

As the work is weather-dependent, it may begin with little notice. Additional traffic control and signage will be on site to manage traffic flows. Initial curing of the concrete will be critical to its quality and durability. Traffic control will be in place to slow traffic and reduce vibrations as much as possible, as well as protect the freshly poured concrete from being driven over.

Once the concrete has cured, the vehicle travel lane will shift to the north side of the bridge and repairs will commence on the south lane. The second, and final, concrete pour will occur in the following weeks.

To avoid delay, motorists should consider alternate routes:

•17th Street Bridge

•Condensory Bridge – Anderton Avenue to Condensory Road

•North Connector – Piercy Road

The public is encouraged to monitor the City of Courtenay website and social media channels for scheduling updates. To view the webcam with current traffic conditions on the Old Island Highway along with a link to Drive BC’s 17th Street Bridge Cam, visit www.courtenay.ca/5thstreetbridge

In November, the top layer of concrete was removed to assess and repair the bridge deck before pouring the new concrete overlay. Once the two lanes of concrete are set, line painting will occur. The project is expected to be complete in January 2022.

Over the past seven months, work to repair the 60-year-old bridge has included structural improvements, a new coating system to repair and prevent corrosion, and deck repairs. Prior to 2021, the last significant investment in the bridge, including seismic upgrading, was in 2012. Upgrades are necessary to prevent deterioration and to preserve the integrity of the bridge.

FMI: www.courtenay.ca/5thstreetbridge