Construction on the Gertrude Street vehicle bridge will continue until the end of April, according to City of Port Alberni engineer Guy Cicon.
The vehicle bridge over Kitsuksis Creek is being widened to allow for bike lanes on either side of the bridge.
Originally proposed to be done by Christmas, the widening of the bridge has taken longer and cost more than what was originally proposed in the fall.
Cicon said that two issues have been the main culprits behind the longer construction period.
“The ballast walls at each abutment were deteriorating and they needed to be replaced and then there were irregularities in the existing structure that resulted in difficulties in casting and fitting the precast concrete deck panels,” said Cicon.
“Neither of these issues could be identified until the existing bridge deck was removed—we recognize and apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience.”
The bridge widening is also set to get more expensive.
Cicon’s last cost for council was $347,000, and will go up, he said.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
