The pedestrian bridge is across the river but permits still needed to start Ridout Street project

A temporary bridge meant for pedestrians and cyclists was laid across the Thames River Monday, marking the start of a long-term bridge replacement project in London.

The Victoria Bridge, which has carried Ridout Street traffic over the river south of Horton for almost a hundred years is coming down, to be replaced with a wider span and arches 10 metres above the road surface.

The temporary pedestrian span won't open for another three weeks, city officials said, with the bridge deck and a temporary sewer line still being installed. 

Work on the $23-million project was supposed to start in early spring but was stopped, just as it got started, over concerns from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) that at-risk species of fish and mussels would be disrupted by the heavy construction.

"We were pleased to receive DFO approval of the temporary bridge two weeks ago, which allowed us to proceed with construction of the temporary bridge as well as some of the sewer and watermain work while we finalize the remaining permit for the main bridge work," said Doug MacRae, director transportation and mobility. 

The Thames River is home to 35 species of freshwater mussels and last year, more than a dozen were listed as endangered. Conservation officials say they're killed when large amounts of sediment in the water clogs their gills and causes them to suffocate. 

MacRae said the city is optimistic it will get the remaining approvals to start work on the main span shortly. 

The completion date for the bridge was supposed to be May 2023, but that timeline will likely be pushed back.