TransLink has announced that the repair work on an old bridge connecting Westham Island to the rest of Delta, B.C., which sustained damage due to a vessel collision, may now extend for several weeks. A recent update from a structural engineer revealed more extensive damage than initially anticipated, leading to the closure of the bridge to vehicle traffic while remaining open for pedestrians. The bridge serves as the sole access point to Westham Island, housing several farms, the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and the Alaksen National Wildlife Area.
According to a resident farmer, the prolonged closure of the bridge would impact approximately twelve families who heavily rely on it for transporting agricultural goods to and from Westham Island. TransLink stated that the original repair plan is no longer feasible, and the full extent of the damage is still unknown.
In addition to the bridge damage, the City of Delta issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Westham Island residents after a watermain leak was discovered beneath the bridge. Crews are set to conduct detailed surveys and inspections in the coming days, with no definitive timeline for the resumption of vehicle traffic on the bridge. However, repairs are estimated to take a minimum of several weeks, with safety remaining a top priority in the decision-making process.
While pedestrian access will be maintained, TransLink is collaborating with the City of Delta to offer shuttle services and assistance to mitigate the disruption for the Westham Island community. The wooden truss bridge, over 115 years old and utilized by around 200 residents, was in the initial stages of replacement before the recent collision.
Following the watermain leak incident, the City of Delta issued a boil water advisory, urging residents to use boiled or bottled water for consumption and hygiene purposes. The city clarified that no water supply contamination has been confirmed yet, and water quality testing is underway. Bottled water deliveries are scheduled for residents near the Westham Island Bridge.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating the vessel collision involving the tug named Quadrant Partner, owned by a Coquitlam-based company. The TSB, an independent agency focused on enhancing transportation safety, does not assign blame or determine legal liabilities in transportation incidents.
