This page provides updates related to facilities maintenance, safety assessments, and operational changes on school district properties. From time to time, information is shared here about infrastructure work, site access changes, or other facilities-related matters that may affect schools or the community.
Current Updates
-
The pedestrian bridge near Savory Elementary School will permanently close on March 30, 2026.
Key Facts:
- The bridge does not meet current seismic and safety standards
- Engineers determined the structure withstands approximately 15% of required seismic forces
- Addressing deficiencies would require major structural reconstruction
- An alternative active transportation route will open on April 1, 2026.
This decision follows a structural engineering assessment commissioned by the School District to evaluate the condition and safety of the bridge.
Engineering Assessment & Preliminary Cost Estimate
The engineering assessment conducted in December 2025 determined that the bridge does not meet current building code requirements, including seismic safety standards and guardrail requirements. The assessment found the structure is capable of resisting only approximately 15% of the seismic forces required under the current building code and identified safety concerns with the guardrail system that present a potential fall hazard. Addressing these deficiencies would require major structural reconstruction of the bridge.
Engineers identified that bringing the structure into compliance with modern safety standards would require new seismic support frames, new foundations, reconstruction of structural elements, replacement of the guard system, and other major structural work.
A preliminary Class D construction estimate was subsequently prepared to understand the cost of work required. The estimate indicates that upgrading the bridge to meet current seismic and safety standards would cost approximately $867,000, while removal of the structure would cost approximately $182,000. These early estimates include a 20% design contingency but exclude escalation, construction contingency, and several other project costs that could increase the total project cost.
Based on the engineering assessment, the District determined that the bridge cannot remain open in its current condition. While the bridge has served as a convenient connection for many years, the engineering assessment determined that addressing the identified safety deficiencies would require major structural reconstruction rather than routine repairs.
Closure Timing & Notification
The March 30 closure allows time to coordinate with the completion of the City of Langford’s alternative pedestrian route and to provide advance notice to families in the area. Savory Elementary families were notified directly by email on March 2, 2026 regarding the upcoming bridge closure. Nearby residents were also notified of upcoming construction activity by the City of Langford on February 25, 2026.
We recognize that the closure may affect preferred travel routes for some students, families and residents who use the bridge as a connection between the neighbourhood, Savory Elementary School, and the Goldstream Avenue area.
Alternative Active Transportation Route
To support continued pedestrian access in the area, the City of Langford is constructing an alternative protected pedestrian route, including a sidewalk along Atkins Avenue and a separated multi-use path along Westwind Drive connecting to the E&N Rail Trail. The City has indicated that this route is expected to be ready for use by April 1, 2026.
School District Responsibilities
Under the School Act, school districts are responsible for delivering educational programs and maintaining school facilities that support student learning. Provincial funding provided to school districts is intended to support school buildings, classrooms, staffing, supplies, and sites used for educational purposes.
Key information:
- The bridge is not located on School District property.
- School districts are not funded to build or maintain transportation infrastructure located off school property, such as pedestrian bridges, sidewalks, bike lanes, or public pathways.
- Provincial capital funding provided to school districts is restricted to school facilities and school sites, while operating funding supports the day-to-day operation and maintenance of schools and educational programs.
- The District must prioritize available public education funding toward maintaining safe, functional schools and learning environments across all schools in the District.
As a public organization responsible for student safety, the District cannot keep infrastructure open that does not meet current safety and building code requirements.
Next Steps
The School District will continue coordinating with the property owner regarding the long-term status of the existing structure and will share updates if additional information becomes available.
-
Structural Assessment Report – Savory Elementary Pedestrian Bridge
Summary: A structural assessment identified significant safety and code compliance concerns. The bridge does not meet current building code requirements, including guardrail standards and seismic safety requirements. The structure is capable of resisting only about 15% of the seismic forces required under the current building code, and engineers identified potential fall hazard related to the guardrail system. Addressing these issues would require major structural reconstruction.Preliminary Bridge Replacement Construction Cost Estimate
Summary: A preliminary cost estimate determined that addressing the bridge would require a significant financial investment, estimating approximately $182,000 for removal or approximately $867,000 to upgrade the bridge to meet modern seismic and safety standards. The estimate includes a 20% design contingency but excludes escalation, construction contingency, and other potential project costs. -
Why is the bridge closing?
A structural engineering assessment found that the bridge does not meet current building code requirements, including seismic safety standards and guardrail requirements. As a result, the structure cannot safely remain open.
Can the bridge be repaired instead of closed?
The engineering assessment determined that addressing the safety deficiencies would require major structural reconstruction rather than routine repairs. Bringing the bridge into compliance with modern safety standards would require new foundation, seismic supports, structural reconstruction, and replacement of the guardrail system.
Why can't the School District replace the bridge?
Provincial funding provided to school districts is intended to support school buildings, classrooms, and sites used to support student learning on district-owned property. Transportation infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public pathways is not part of the infrastructure school districts are funded to build or maintain.
Will there still be an active transportation route for students, families and community?
Yes. The City of Langford is constructing an alternative protected pedestrian route, including a sidewalk along Atkins Avenue and a separated multi-use path along Westwind Drive connecting to the E&N Rail Trail. The City has indicated that this route is expected to be ready for use by April 1, 2026.
As with all travel to and from schools across the district, families determine the route that works best for them.
When will the bridge close?
The pedestrian bridge will close on March 30, 2026. This timing provides advance notice to families and allows time for the City of Langford to complete the alternative pedestrian route in the area.