I’m not a student.
But as a free thinker, I have conjured up a Canadian-built replacement for the “The bridge that seldom rises,” also known as the Johnson Street Bridge.
First, lose all thought of including a train bridge. There is no compelling reason why a Dayliner should come any closer to the downtown than the roundhouse.
Now, build a bridge with four lanes and pedestrian and bicycle lanes – the bridge having sufficient clearance for tugs and barges to pass through.
To satisfy the need for boats to reach the small-boat shipyard beyond in “the pond,” have – at the crest – a bascule bridge.
This would be much shorter than the present one.
All the work could be done right here in Victoria.
If Mr. Harper can rethink the purchase of the F-35 fighter planes, I think Mr. Fortin can do the same with the imported bascule, n’est ce pas?
And now, just off the press; the dead horse, the Dayliner, is to be brought back to life.
Does anyone really believe that passengers will line the platform after stepping out of their warm cars or from a bus that is headed to Victoria anyhow?
People are commuting from Duncan by bus, but I don’t see a double-decker being used. Convert the track into a paved highway.
As such, it would serve as an alternative to the Goldstream route in an emergency.
It could happen.
Dennis Parsons
Victoria