A plan to rebuild Cook Street, between Quadra Street and Maplewood Road, will be put on hold after build costs for the new Craigflower Bridge jumped by $2.2 million.

Saanich and View Royal, which share ownership of the bridge, are each on the hook to find $1.1 million more than they originally budgeted for.

"The tenders came in over budget because of the pilings and what (the contractor feels) is beneath the surface," said Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard. "On the other hand, Saanich taxpayers should still be pleased we've got a $13.2-million bridge that's being funding $11.05 million from other sources, which is incredible."

Saanich is finding its portion by delaying the Cook Street upgrade a year, and using the money previously budgeted there.

Both municipalities last week awarded the bridge build contract to Don Mann Construction Ltd. for $15,896,000. The contract also includes major roadwork on either side of the bridge.

The 80-year-old, timber-beam Craigflower Bridge is slated to be replaced by a three-lane steel bridge. Construction will begin in April and is expected to last six months.

When complete, the Cook Street upgrade, called a Complete Street project, will see the road become more pedestrian and bike friendly.

kslavin@saanichnews.com