As part of the Victoria Bridge reconstruction project, two new steel arches will be lifted into place next week on the new bridge being built on Ridout Street next to Thames Park. The two-day operation is planned for Tuesday, June 20 and Thursday, June 22.
Each arch is approximately 90 metres in length and weighs over 130 tonnes. A large 650-tonne crawler crane has been secured for the operation, marking one of the largest lifts in the province this year.
To keep everyone safe while the lift is underway, there will be periodic closures of the temporary active transportation bridge, and limited access to the project area. Access to Thames Park will be maintained at the Wortley Street entrance.
A viewing area is being maintained at the north end of the project area, just south of Horton Street, west of Ridout Street.
Above: A map graphic showing the viewing area and access restrictions throughout the project area, including the temporary bridge.
A livestream is also available for anyone wishing to view the lift remotely, using the following link: https://youtube.com/live/sShHTnWQGxU?feature=share
The steel arches were fabricated over the winter and early spring and delivered in separate pieces to the project site for assembly. Once the steel arches have been placed, the remainder of steel assembly for the bridge will continue, including arch cross beams, vertical hangers and floor beams.
The remaining concrete centre pier located in the middle of the Thames River is also planned for removal later this summer, during the permitted window for sensitive in-water work of this kind.
About the Victoria Bridge reconstruction project
The City of London is replacing the Victoria Bridge, located on Ridout Street South over the Thames River, next to Thames Park. The original bridge, which was built in 1926, has reached the end of its life cycle, and is a bottleneck for cyclists crossing the bridge.
The project will add a new bridge with a “through arch” structure and widened deck surface to better accommodate bicycle traffic, pedestrians, and offer improved connectivity to the Thames Valley Parkway.
Sign up for updates about project milestones at getinvolved.london.ca/victoriabridge.
Learn more about this and other Top 10 infrastructure projects the City of London is building in 2023 at london.ca/topten
Above: A drawing of the new Victoria Bridge structure
Above: One of the two steel arches assembled. Those white tents are the temperature-controlled huts where pieces were carefully welded together.
Above: The fully assembled 650-tonne crane secured for lifting the arches