Westham Island Bridge repairs will take ‘several weeks,’ TransLink says

Damage to a bridge that provides the only link between a community and the Lower Mainland will take weeks, officials confirmed.

Officials are getting a better idea of the extent of the damage the only bridge linking an island with the rest of Metro Vancouver suffered after it was hit by a barge last week, TransLink says.

In an update Tuesday, the owner of Westham Island Bridge, which connects the farming community to Delta, said engineering inspections confirmed “significant structural damage.”

In particular, one of the bridge’s primary support structures, Pier 5, was “severely impacted” by the crash and can no longer safely support vehicle loads, TransLink said.

“Due to the age of the bridge, repairs are technically complex and require specialized marine construction,” the update reads. “TransLink is advancing engineering and repair design work while coordinating approvals with partner agencies, and securing equipment and materials to reduce delays as construction begins.”

The transit provider says plans for the 116-year-old bridge include lifting a section so the damaged area can be accessed, replacing damaged piles and beams, and reconnecting the bridge and the pier before final inspections so vehicles can return.

“Repairs are expected to take several weeks. TransLink understands the impact this has on the Westham Island community and is working quickly to complete repairs,” the update reads. “Timelines may be affected by factors such as ongoing inspections, soil conditions, tides, weather, and the age of the bridge.”

In the meantime, free shuttles are operating between 6 a.m. and midnight, one on the island and the other between the Delta side of the bridge and Ladner Exchange.

While the bridge can still be accessed on foot, TransLink says closures to pedestrians will be needed at some points during the repairs, and a water taxi will be available during that time.

Westham Island is home to major farms, about 200 residents and a wildlife sanctuary.

TransLink says it is in the early planning stages of a full replacement of the bridge.