Johnson Street Bridge, Bascule bridge in Victoria, Canada.
The Johnson Street Bridge is a bascule bridge in Victoria that spans the inner harbor and connects downtown to the Vic West neighborhood. The structure consists of steel painted in bright blue and features three vehicle lanes plus separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, interrupted by a lifting mechanism for passing vessels.
The first bridge at this location was built in 1855 as a simple wagon bridge, followed by two more structures before the current one opened in 2018. Each generation brought new demands for harbor access and growing traffic between the two sides of the city.
The bridge marks Victoria's skyline with its striking blue color, recognized by locals and visitors as a symbol of the city. Its lifting mechanism allows sailboats and larger vessels to enter the harbor, reflecting the connection between the city and water.
The pedestrian pathway and cycle lane offer good views of the harbor and downtown but are briefly closed during lifting operations for ships. It is wise to visit during quieter times of day to avoid congestion and waiting times when crossing.
The bridge construction was a major community project where residents were extensively involved in shaping its final form and color through public input. This participatory process makes it a structure truly shaped by the city itself.
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