This story had an error from the original version updated to $92.8 million.
More than 200 people attended public meetings on the Johnson Street Bridge project to provide input into the $92.8-million undertaking.
Their suggestions, presented to Victoria council by city communications director Katie Josephson during a special meeting of council's governance and priorities committee Thursday, include calls for greater emphasis on landscaping, art installations and traffic-calming measures.
Coun. Pam Madoff voiced concern that the $1.3 million earmarked for public-realm considerations for the project may not adequately fund the desired elements.
Council also heard an update on the risk assessment for the bridge replacement project.
Finalized proposals from three construction bidders are expected to be received by Aug. 17, which will give council a clearer sense of ceiling costs. The contract process will then see closed-door meetings held with city staff and bidders to optimize design features.
The general building contract will be awarded by the end of 2012 and development will begin in 2013.
dpalmer@vicnews.com