Westham Island Bridge Repairs in Delta, B.C. May Take Weeks: TransLink

Repairs to the Westham Island Bridge in Delta, British Columbia, may take several weeks following damage from a marine vessel strike. TransLink announced the situation in a bulletin on Thursday, revealing that a structural engineer’s assessment indicated more extensive damage than initially thought.

Bridge Access and Impact on Residents

The bridge, which is over 115 years old, serves as the sole access point to Westham Island, home to numerous farms and protected wildlife areas. Currently, the bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic but accessible to pedestrians. This extended closure will significantly impact around a dozen families who rely on it for transportation of agricultural goods.

TransLink emphasized that the original repair plans are no longer viable and that they do not yet know the complete scope of the damage. The authority aims to avoid providing a reopening timeline until they can ensure the accuracy of information.

Boil Water Advisory

In addition, a precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for Westham Island residents due to a leak in the watermain under the bridge. This advisory was announced by the City of Delta on Friday, following assessments related to the bridge incident.

• Residents are advised to boil or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Bottled water is being delivered to residents by 8 p.m. PT on Fridays.
• Water quality testing is underway to confirm the safety of the water supply.

Investigation Underway

On the same day, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) began an investigation into the incident involving the tugboat named Quadrant Partner, which is operated by a company based in Coquitlam. The TSB does not determine fault but aims to enhance transportation safety through its findings.

As repairs progress, TransLink is coordinating with the City of Delta to facilitate shuttle services for the community, recognizing the challenges residents face during this period. TransLink has acknowledged the essential nature of this bridge for both residents and local businesses, assuring that safety is their top priority as they continue to assess and address the damage.