Work to fix the ailing bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon will have to wait.

Colwood council voted to nix plans already in place to address the 78-year-old bridge’s abutments until after the 2009 budget review in light of further structural damage. Earlier this year, council approved more than $100,000 toward the work.

“I’m not sure how much transportation value (there is) for the cost of repairing it,” said Coun. Cynthia Day. “As an emergency access it does have value.”

A report from staff detailed necessary work ranging between $250,000 every five years to replace rotting piles to $3.1 million to replace the bridge with a steel and concrete structure.

As it stands the bridge is safe — it is just becoming a matter of how long that will be the case, said city engineer Michael Baxter when the initial report came out.

Coburg Peninsula is eroding, as seen during winter storms last year. Without the gravel pit operating to the south, it is possibly the peninsula could become an island.

Regardless of that debate, the role of the bridge in aiding traffic flow cannot be discredited. With more than 500 residences slated for the Aquattro development now under construction, that bridge provides a necessary connection for motorists.

“How is all of the traffic going to be handled?” questioned Coun. Ernie Roberston.

With winter storms approaching, staff were instructed to base work at the lagoon on a priority basis. Threats to the sewer lift station, located under the public washroom, must be given first priority, said mayor-elect David Saunders.

“We don’t have the budget to do both,” he said.

A full report on the status of the bridge is expected by the end of this month.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com