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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Johnson Street Bridge

Painted rivet head on Johnson Street Bridge, Victoria, BC, Canada

I had an old bridge
And its name was Blue
Betcha five dollars
Its a good one too....


I mentioned in an earlier post that plans are afoot to replace Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge, also called "The Blue Bridge". This is fast becoming a contentious local issue since the bridge is thought by many to be a valuable heritage artifact. It's a bascule type of lift bridge designed by Joseph Strauss, who also designed San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. There are numerous other issues involved including some doubt as to whether the bridge needs to be replaced or can be repaired. If you live in Victoria you should be interested since you are going to be paying for whatever is finally decided and it's a big ticket item. Some concerned citizens have set up a website, Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC, to gather opinions and information. It's a good place to find out more, voice your opinion and get involved.

(The photo above is a heavily painted rivet head on one of the Johnson Street Bridge girders.)

8 comments:

Jabba said...

There was an article in the 'Victoria News' paper about the man who operates the bridge, he's been doing it for a long, long time. It nearly made me cry at the end when he said that when they take the bridge down he won't be able to watch.

ms toast burner said...

Just like those old cars, it seems that old bridges have boobs as well.

;-)

Benjamin Madison said...

Jabba, maybe they won't get to take it down - a poll on the Johnson Street Bridge.org website is currently running about 2 to 1 in favour of preserving it.

ms toast: perhaps, like beauty, they're in the eyes of the beholder....

Kris McCracken said...

A good take on a familiar image.

Carolyn said...

I like your perspective and I love that old bridge. Have a great weekend.
Smiles

Dean said...

I think this photograph is terrific. Macro and close-up brings the viewer into a whole new universe that is right under our noses, if we just look.

What better and more engaging role for the serious photographer than to take us somewhere we haven't been before.

Pun Key Brewster said...

Alright, it had to be said:
this photo is 'riveting'.

Benjamin Madison said...

Kris, Caroline, Dean, thanks.

Pun Key Brewster, I was waiting for that.