UPDATE: 7:15 pm, January 26
A new webpage has been created for updates on the Westham Island Bridge closure. Please visit delta.ca/WesthamIslandBridge, for the most up-to-date information. This page will no longer be updated.
UPDATE 12:30 pm, January 26
News Release: Delta plans community support for long-term closure of Westham Island Bridge
Delta’s efforts to support residents of Westham Island following the recent bridge strike are now shifting toward longer-term assistance. The City is consulting with Island farms and residents to better understand their needs and to coordinate supports as life continues without vehicle access to the bridge while TransLink works to expedite repairs.
“We took a prioritized approach as soon as we learned of the bridge strike, focusing first on emergency services, followed by transportation, and then farm and community needs,” said Mayor George V. Harvie. “As it now appears vehicle access may be unavailable for several weeks, we are looking at what more can be done to support daily life on the Island.”
Over the past week, Delta has taken the following actions in response to the emergency:
- Provided temporary shuttle services to support residents and workers travelling to and from the Island. Shuttle services and a dedicated school service have since transitioned to TransLink.
- Delivered emergency equipment to the Island, maintaining access to fire, police, and ambulance services.
- Met with local farmers to understand urgent transportation needs. Arranged for barge services and parking areas to assist with the transport of farm goods and personal and commercial vehicles.
- Established a call centre to respond to questions related to emergency response and support, and provide regular updates to residents.
- Initiated construction of a temporary bypass of the damaged watermain to support continued water service. Delivered drinking water in response to a precautionary boil water advisory.
“Everyone is doing their part, and it’s been especially heartwarming to see how neighbours are supporting one another,” said Mayor Harvie. “Whether it’s Jeremy from Mad Props Marine assisting with barge operations or Brad providing on-Island shuttle services, we are seeing the best of Delta during a very challenging situation.”
As the situation evolves, the City continues to assess longer-term needs and encourages residents to contact the call centre at 604-952-5445 with any questions or concerns. Current work underway includes commissioning the temporary bypass of the watermain, reviewing options for ongoing barge services, and addressing other needs such as fuel service and garbage delivery.
For the latest information on the emergency response and available supports, visit www.delta.ca/westhamislandbridge. Residents of Westham Island are invited to email WesthamIslandCommunity@Delta.ca to receive updates directly.
For more information about this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.
UPDATE: 3:00 pm, January 25
City of Delta Update
- Boil Water Advisory
- Boil Water Advisory remains in effect while construction of a temporary water bypass line continues to progress. The bypass line has been built and is currently being tested.
- A tie-in of the bypass is anticipated early next week which will require a temporary water outage. Further details will be shared in advance.
- Drinking water continues to be replenished and is available at the foot of the bridge on the island side while the advisory is in effect.
- Delta is planning barge services for the week. Two sailings a day are planned for the big barge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you would like to use the service, please call 604-952-5445 by 12 pm for the next day’s planned sailings. See the schedule at www.delta.ca/WesthamIslandBridge.
- Delta is looking to increase the capacity of the small barge service. More information will be shared once confirmed. The service continues to run daily from 8 am to approximately 6 pm, weather and tide dependent and at the discretion of the operator. Check in with Mad Props Marine at the staging area to use the service. Any cargo that can be transported in a 5-ton vehicle can use the small barge service.
- Pull carts have been placed at the foot of the bridge on either side to assist pedestrians with moving goods across the bridge.
- Delta is aware of the need for fuel deliveries, including propane, diesel, and gasoline, as well as the need for garbage service. More information will be provided on these topics early next week.
- Delta has created the WesthamIslandCommunity@Delta.ca email address and distribution list to send information and receive questions from residents of Westham Island about Delta’s emergency response and community supports for the bridge closure. Anyone who has provided an email to the Call Centre or Delta staff has been included. Please share this email with anyone interested in receiving these updates. If you do not wish to receive these updates, please reply and ask to be removed. The email list will only be used for this closure and future emergencies if required.
- Residents can also visit www.Delta.ca/WesthamIslandBridge for all information related to Delta’s response and supports. Continue to call Delta’s Westham Island Call Centre at 604-952-5445 between the hours of 8:30 am to 11 pm, seven days a week, for urgent requests and to register for the big barge service.
- TransLink will continue to share information and answer questions about the bridge and shuttle services through their email address Westham.Island.Bridge@TransLink.ca. Please email TransLink if you wish to be added to their list. TransLink can also be reached by calling their Customer Centre at 604-953-3333, Monday to Sunday between 6:30 am and 10 pm. Shuttle help and on-the-ground transit assistance can be reached at 236-883-4758.
UPDATE: 2:45 pm, January 22
Westham Island Bridge Closure – Delta Update
The City of Delta has secured a barge which delivered emergency response vehicles to Westham Island this morning. We are now utilizing this barge to take a limited number of agricultural and other commercial vehicles off Westham Island on the morning of Friday, January 23, at 9 am.
Please see the following details for information on this transport.
- Registration is Required:
- Westham Island residents with urgent and critical commercial transport needs are required to call the Westham Island Hotline no later than 8 pm this evening (January 22) to register and provide the City with details of transport needs and deadlines.
- This can be done by calling 604-952-5445.
- Vehicles and loads will be prioritized based on shipment size and urgency.
- This is a one way transport.
- Loading and Departure:
- Those who have registered and been assigned a spot must bring their vehicle to the end of Kirkland Road by 6 am, Friday, January 23.
- Trip Details:
- The trip will take approximately two hours and the drop-off location is 8828 River Road.
- Residents will not be able to travel on the barge, but the City will arrange transportation for one resident per vehicle to the drop-off location.
The City is continuing to explore further arrangements for transportation while the bridge remains closed to vehicles.
UPDATE: 1:00 pm, January 22
Westham Island Bridge Closure – Delta Update
The City of Delta is working on plans to secure transportation for agricultural and other commercial vehicles and shipments off Westham Island. Any Westham Island residents with urgent and critical commercial transport needs are asked to call the Westham Island Hotline to register and provide the City with details of your transport needs and deadlines. This can be done by calling 604-952-5445.
Residents will be prioritized based on shipment size and urgency. Details will be provided to those registered as they become available. The City is continuing to explore further arrangements for transportation while the bridge remains closed to vehicles.
UPDATE: 12:00 pm, January 22
Westham Island Bridge Closure – Delta Update
The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic as TransLink continues their assessment of the infrastructure and determines repair timelines. The City of Delta continues to work with TransLink to ensure services for residents.
Here's an update on progress so far:
- The City's first priority following the closure was to connect with TransLink, the owners of the bridge, and ensure an assessment and plan for repairs was in progress. Delta is in contact with TransLink and this work is underway.
- The second priority was to get emergency vehicles to Westham Island to secure emergency response capabilities on the island. This work is in progress and updates will follow shortly.
- The City's third priority was to secure transit networks to connect Westham Island residents with Ladner and ensure people could get to work, school and appointments. A TransLink shuttle is in place for residents, operating every 20-30 minutes between the Westham Island Bridge and the Ladner Exchange. (See route map below)
- Now, the City is turning its attention to providing supports for commerce and the economic activity on the island. Those with support needs are encouraged to call the City's Westham Island Hotline and register their questions, concerns, and needs with the City, as potential solutions are explored. The number to call for the hotline is 604-952-5445.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to support residents during this time. Please stay tuned on our social media channels and www.Delta.ca/WesthamIslandBridge for continued updates.
UPDATE: 5:30 pm, January 21
Westham Island Bridge Closure – Delta Update
The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicles and open to pedestrian traffic. The bridge is expected to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, with updated timelines to be shared as more information becomes available.
Call Lines:
The City of Delta has established a dedicated hotline for inquiries from Westham Island residents that can be reached by calling 604-952-5445. Residents are encouraged to call the hotline and register their information and questions with the City. This hotline will be available until 11 pm this evening, and will continue to operate from 8:30 am until 11 pm daily during the bridge closure.
Residents should continue to call 911 in the case of an emergency.
For questions from residents related to the bridge itself or TransLink shuttle services, TransLink can be reached in the following ways:
Customer Service | 604.953.3333
- Monday to Sunday | 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Overnight Call Centre | 604.815.6077
- After hours only
Email | westham.island.bridge@translink.ca
- Monitored during regular business hours, Monday to Friday.
Shuttle Services:
TransLink is providing free accessible shuttle bus service between the Westham Island Bridge and Ladner Exchange (Bay 7). This temporary service will run daily from 6 a.m. to midnight and connect residents who have crossed the bridge on foot.
Passengers are advised to look for the TransLink shuttles showing 'SPECIAL' on destination signs.
- Shuttles are loading/unloading from the parking lot near the bridge at 3473 River Road W.
- All local stops are being serviced, including 50th Street.
- Any passengers on the shuttle route will be accommodated, space permitting.
The City of Delta will be providing a school shuttle, supporting TransLink's free shuttle service, for direct transportation to and from local schools. It will be available at the Westham Island Bridge at 8:10 am for school drop-offs and 3 pm for school pick-ups, shuttling students between local elementary schools and the bridge. Students can inform the driver of what school they need to get to.
Ladner Elementary School is also included on the TransLink shuttle's route.
UPDATE: 4:05 pm, January 21
Email update from TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn to Delta Council
Mayor Harvie and Council-
I am writing to provide an update on the incident involving a marine vessel striking the Westham Island Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, as well as the steps TransLink is taking with City staff to support residents and restore access as quickly and safely as possible.
The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic as crews continue damage assessment and repairs. The impact resulted in a misalignment of the swing span and damage to one of the bridge’s supporting elements. Our bridge contractors are on site, and a detailed daytime inspection is underway to confirm the full extent of the damage and ensure no additional structural issues are present. Pedestrian access across the bridge continues to be maintained, but we advise people to exercise caution.
The bridge will remain closed to vehicles on Thursday and Friday while assessments continue. We will share further updates on repair timelines and future closures as soon as more information is available.
To support residents during this disruption, TransLink is now providing free accessible shuttle bus service between the bridge and Ladner Exchange (Bay 7). This service—operating daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight—connects residents who cross the bridge on foot and replaces the interim shuttle launched by the City of Delta. Passengers can identify the shuttles by the “SPECIAL” destination sign. Shuttles are loading and unloading from the parking lot near the bridge at 3473 River Road W, with all local stops being served, including 50th Street. Any passengers along the route will be accommodated, space permitting.
Once today’s inspection is complete, our immediate priority will be determining whether a small fire truck can safely cross the bridge to maintain emergency response capability for Westham Island. We recognize how essential this is for residents.
In parallel, our teams are exploring temporary repair options to restore vehicle access as soon as it is safe to do so. Even under the best‑case scenario, weight restrictions are likely until more extensive or permanent repairs can be completed. We are aware that farmers on Westham Island have scheduled deliveries involving larger vehicles later this week, and we are working closely with the City staff to identify potential solutions if the bridge remains inaccessible to heavy trucks.
Throughout this incident, our focus remains on safety, clear communication, and restoring reliable access as quickly as possible. We appreciate the patience of those affected and will continue to provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
If residents or stakeholders require assistance, they may reach us through the following channels:
- Customer Service: 604‑953‑3333 (7 days/week, 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Overnight Call Centre: 604‑815‑6077 (after hours)
- Email: westham.island.bridge@translink.ca (monitored during business hours, Monday to Friday)
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy for the community during this disruption. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require further details.
KEVIN QUINN (he/him/his)
Chief Executive Officer
UPDATE: 8:05 am, January 21.
The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic this morning, following yesterday's incident involving a marine vessel. Pedestrian crossings are being facilitated and appropriate safety measures are in place.
To support residents in the near term, the City of Delta has established a temporary shuttle service to help maintain connectivity. This service will connect residents who have crossed bridge on foot with where they need to go in Ladner. TransLink is also assessing options to provide shuttle services, should the closure continue.
A detailed daytime inspection is scheduled for today, and once the assessment is complete, the immediate priority will be to determine whether a small fire truck can safely cross the bridge to ensure emergency service access on Westham Island.
TransLink is also exploring options for temporary repairs to restore traffic at the earliest opportunity. Weight restrictions may be required until full or permanent repairs can be completed.
The City of Delta continues to work closely with TransLink and affected residents and will provide timely updates as more information becomes available, including anticipated timelines and next milestones. We understand how disruptive this situation is and remain focused on safety, clear communication, and restoring reliable access as soon as possible.
UPDATE: 9:15 pm, January 20
The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic. In support of Westham Island residents, a City representative will be on site at 6 am to provide a shuttle service. Shuttles will operate regularly between the Westham Island Bridge, Wellington Point Park, Ladner (at the bus stop in front of Save-On-Foods), and the Ladner Bus Loop.
UPDATE: 8:30 pm
The City of Delta has arranged a bus shuttle service between Wellington Point Park and the Westham Island Bridge. This will allow residents to park their vehicles at Wellington Point and return to the Island on foot, or leave the Island on foot and be transported to Wellington Point Park.
UPDATE: 7:45 pm
For Westham Island Residents only—at present, emergency responders have limited capabilities on Westham Island and will only be able to respond to medical emergencies. In the case of any emergency, residents should still call 911.
The City of Delta has received confirmation that due to an incident involving a marine vessel, the Westham Island Bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic. Pedestrian access remains open at this time.
City crews are working to ensure that area residents have access to emergency services. The City has activated our EOC and staff are going through response plans.
The Westham Island Bridge is owned by TransLink.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.