This webpage provides the most up-to-date information on the Westham Island Bridge, after its vehicle closure due to the barge strike on January 20, 2026. For more information from the City of Delta, visit delta.ca/westhamislandbridge.

Current status

March 10, 2026 | 3:15 p.m. update

There continues to be steady progress across the site as we move through the final technical phases of the bridge repair.

Crews have successfully cut all four piles to their exact lengths, and we have completed fabricating all four pile caps. Installation of the first cap is complete, and crews are currently working on installing the second pile cap.

In addition to work on the piles, teams are advancing structural steel construction. We’re about halfway through welding the steel plates that reinforce the main support beams. This is a critical step to ensure the beams are ready for the next phase of work – including steel erection and jacking the structure into position.

Deck replacement is also progressing well, as crews continue their 24/7 schedule to expedite this work during the current closure.

In the coming days, crews will focus on completing the remaining pile cap installations and finishing the steel preparation.

Water taxi service

Travel time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes one way, depending on tidal conditions. For water taxi questions and information, please call 236.883.2981. The water taxi is for Westham Island residents and employees only.

Departure and arrival locations:

• 4888 Savage Road (Westham Island)
• Wellington Point Park (Ladner)

Schedule:

• 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.: every 30 minutes
  • From Westham Island starting at 5 a.m.
  • From Wellington Point Park starting at 5:15 a.m.
• From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the water taxi is on call, please call 236.883.2981 before heading to the dock.

Shuttle service

Shuttle service on Westham Island

TransLink has a free on-island shuttle service to make getting around the island easier and more accessible for all residents.

• The shuttle runs daily every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight from 4888 Savage Road (water taxi marina)
• Temporary bus stops have been installed
• Customers can also flag down buses and request stops

There may be up to a 10-minute wait at the Savage Road bus terminus before scheduled departures; passengers can wait onboard the bus.

Shuttle service to/from Ladner Exchange

A free accessible shuttle service is available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. It runs between the Ladner side of the bridge and Ladner Exchange.

This shuttle serves all local stops. This includes Wellington Point Park, where residents can connect with water taxi service, the parking lot next to the Westham Island Bridge (3473 River Road West), and Ladner Elementary School.

Riders needing additional assistance can call TransLink’s dedicated Westham Island line 236.883.4758.

Evo Car Share for residents

TransLink has partnered with Evo Carshare to provide free Evo vehicles for Westham Island residents who need access to a vehicle during the bridge closure. Evo vehicles are parked in designated Evo parking stalls at Wellington Point Park, and are available for use.

How to sign up and use Evo for free

• Sign up and verify that you are a Westham Island resident by emailing businessinfo@evo.ca with the subject line “Westham Island Bridge Closure”
• Follow the instructions provided in Evo’s reply email
• Have a photo of your valid driver’s licence ready for the registration process

Important information for users

• All trips must start and end in the dedicated Evo stalls at Wellington Point Park
• As a courtesy to your neighbours and other residents, please use the vehicles for short trips and essential errands, and avoid leaving the car parked offsite for extended periods (for example, at work for several hours)
• If fuel is required during your trip, please submit fuel receipts directly to Evo for reimbursement
• Please ensure all personal belongings and garbage are removed from the vehicle before ending your trip

This option is intended to help residents manage essential travel during the bridge closure, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation in using the service responsibly.

Key contact information

Use the contacts below to get the right help.

Shuttle help and on-the-ground transit assistance: Call 236.883.4758

• For shuttle support or if you need extra assistance getting to or from the bridge (including passengers with disabilities, seniors, youth, school drop-offs or pick-ups, and late-night support).

Transit questions and trip planning: Call TransLink Customer Service at 604.953.3333 (daily, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• For general transit information, fares, and customer support.

Goods movement: Call the City of Delta at 604.952.5445

• For questions related to deliveries, commercial vehicles, and goods movement impacts.

Marine activity: Contact the Vancouver Port Authority at 604.665.9000

• For questions related to marine traffic and vessel activity in the area.

Email updates from TransLink (Westham Island residents): Email Westham.Island.Bridge@translink.ca

• To sign up to receive updates as they are confirmed.

Investigation: The investigation into the incident is being led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and Transit Police.

AgriStability: Call 1.877.343.2767, e-mail agristability@gov.bc.ca

• Provincial support is available to all farmers affected by events like this one. It’s designed to provide support for those experiencing significant net income declines. Farmers have until April 30, 2026, to enroll in AgriStability for the 2026 program year. More details can be found at gov.bc.ca/agristability.

Frequently asked questions

Will pedestrian access to Westham Island be impacted during repairs to the existing bridge?  

Yes. To allow repair work to proceed as quickly and safely as possible, pedestrian and cyclist access to the Westham Island Bridge will be fully closed starting Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. until further notice. This closure allows crews to work continuously without repeated stops and starts, maintain safe work zones, and complete repairs more efficiently. Emergency services will continue to have access to the bridge at all times. During this closure period, water taxi service will be available 24/7 for access to and from the island.

What is the capacity of the water taxi?

Water taxis have a capacity of 6-12 passengers and two crew members, depending on vessel.

Are there life jackets available on board the water taxi?

Yes, life jackets will be provided for water taxi passengers. We have adult life jackets in varying sizes.  We also have more than two dozen life jackets for kids, including child sizes, toddler sizes, and infant sizes.

Can we bring bags and other items on board?

There is no dedicated carry-on baggage space on the water taxi. Crew will do their best to accommodate passengers and personal items when space allows. If space is limited, you may be asked to wait for the next sailing.

Who is operating the water taxi?

The water taxi is operated by Mad Props, the same company currently operating the small barge.

How will this closure affect students, parents, and staff travelling to and from nearby schools?

School administrators will receive direct updates, and families are encouraged to plan for additional travel time. After school on Wednesday, Feb. 4, a TransLink representative will be on board the after-school shuttle and will accompany students via shuttle and water taxi to Westham Island.

Parents/residents want the bridge to be open for pedestrians two times a day, are you going to do that?

We have heard this request, and we understand why it feels like a reasonable compromise for some residents. The answer right now is no, because at this stage crews need continuous access to maintain safe work zones and keep multiple activities moving in parallel. Opening the bridge even twice a day would require stopping work, clearing the site, and resetting safety controls, which adds risk and slows the repair. If engineers confirm there is a later phase where predictable openings can be added without affecting safety or schedule, we will revisit it.

How long will the repairs take? 

Repairs are anticipated to take several weeks, but there are a number of factors that can affect timelines, including what we learn as work progresses, soil conditions during piling work, tides and marine access windows, weather, and the age and complexity of the bridge.

Because the bridge is very old, crews must proceed carefully to maintain the integrity of the structure during repairs. We will share updates as information is confirmed. This is a complex project, and as conditions shift regularly, some impacts may arise on short notice.

What work is being done to repair the bridge next?

A key bridge support — known as Pier 5 — needs to be rebuilt and reconnected to the bridge structure.

We’ve refined our repair approach to minimize disruption as much as possible. Instead of removing the truss to access the work area, crews will install a temporary support structure beneath the bridge near Pier 5. That work includes:

• Building the temporary support
• Removing damaged Pier 5 materials and take them offsite
• Building the new pier and realign the bridge
• Removing the temporary support once the new pier is carrying the load.

What kind of damage did the bridge sustain?

A marine vessel hit the bridge on Tuesday, January 20. Engineers found significant damage to Pier 5, one of the bridge’s main supports. The impact shifted parts of the bridge out of alignment and damaged the connection point (bearing) between the pier and the bridge deck, meaning the pier is no longer properly supporting the structure the way it should.

Why is TransLink involved in repairs?

TransLink is Metro Vancouver’s transportation authority. Part of TransLink’s mandate includes maintaining parts of the region’s major road network. The Westham Island Bridge is one of five bridges that TransLink owns and maintains in Metro Vancouver.

Are you investigating the incident to determine who is responsible?

The investigation into the incident is being led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

Can emergency services still reach the island?

Emergency responders will continue to have emergency access to the bridge at all times. We are coordinating with the City of Delta and local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) to maintain response capability throughout the repair period. In an emergency, residents should call 911 as they normally would.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police is on site 24 hours a day on the Delta side of the Westham Island Bridge to ensure safety and security. If residents require urgent care, they are asked to call 911.

Where do I get reliable updates?

For the most up-to-date information, please visit translink.ca/westham.

Is TransLink considering bringing in a Bailey bridge to restore island access, similar to what has been done in the past?

TransLink has evaluated many options to restore Westham Island vehicle access, the Bailey Bridge is not something that will work.

In 1969, after a barge strike damaged the bridge, a Bailey bridge (temporary span) was installed within a few days.

We’ve looked at that option, and the key difference is what was damaged. In 1969, the impact primarily affected the bridge superstructure, but the underlying supports were still strong enough that a temporary span could be placed onto existing foundations.

This time, a critical support pier — Pier 5 — is compromised. That means the bridge’s load path is affected, and the foundation capacity at that location is not something we can assume is safe. A Bailey bridge still needs reliable supports to sit on, so placing a temporary span over the existing bridge doesn’t solve the core issue at Pier 5.

I’m hearing rumours that at some point the water will have to be cut off – is this true?

The City of Delta is overseeing watermain repairs.  For questions relating to water supply, please email: westhamislandcommunity@delta.ca

Will the bridge be replaced with a new one eventually?

TransLink is working with funding partners on a 2027 Investment Plan, which is expected to fund construction of the new Westham Island Bridge. Early replacement planning is underway, including hiring an engineering team to develop design options and complete early technical planning.

In the meantime, significant investments have been made over the years in maintenance and repairs to keep the current bridge safe and reliable.

Previous bridge updates

March 8, 2026 | 3:15 p.m. update

There continues to be steady progress across the site as we move into the next phases of the bridge repair.

Piling and Steel Progress

All four piles have reached their final depths, which was confirmed by positive structural testing results. With this milestone achieved, we have completed the final surveys required to cut the steel beams to their exact lengths.

Crews worked through Thursday and Friday nights to prepare the beams and weld the pile caps. These caps arrived onsite yesterday, and the steel beams have started arriving in phases today. Our teams are currently completing the necessary prep work while we wait for a favourable tide window to cut the piles to their final height and begin installing the caps.

Deck Rehabilitation

While the top-of-pile connections are underway, other trades are advancing critical repair work, including the deck replacement which began on Friday. Crews are making good progress and are working 24/7 to complete as much of this rehabilitation as possible before the bridge re-opens, maximizing the current closure to avoid future disruptions.

Next Steps

Once the pile caps are secure, we will move into the final technical phases which includes steel erection and jacking the structure to its final position, which must be carefully sequenced.

March 4, 2026 | 4 p.m. update

TransLink continues to make progress on bridge repairs, and we’re nearing completion of the new Pier 5 piles.

All four piles have almost reached their final depths, and the crews are moving into custom steel fabrication and pile testing. The testing measures the pile’s strength and confirms it can safely support the bridge.

While the repair continues, we are also taking the opportunity to advance some additional rehabilitation work during this closure. Starting March 5, deck rehabilitation will begin on the bridge’s east approach. By performing this work during the current closure, we can maximize work and minimize further construction-related disruptions for the community in the near future.

Mar. 1, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. update

There has been significant progress across the site as we continue to advance work at all four piles for the bridge repair.

At the northwest pile, we have successfully placed most of the steel and are now working on placing the final 30 feet. At the southwest pile, all steel is in place, and it’s nearing final depth. Specialized structural testing is scheduled for this afternoon before we finish driving this pile.

At the southeast pile, excavation has begun. We placed the first pile section on Friday night and the second section yesterday. Meanwhile, excavation work continues at the northeast location – where we first encountered the tough layer of hard material in the riverbed. To help advance work at this pile, a larger excavator and barge started work there this morning.

As we wrap up piling work, we are also preparing to start steel fabrication for the top connections. These top connections need to be measured and custom fit once at least three piles have reached final depth. Moving into this phase as quickly as possible helps us maintain momentum and minimize any downtime on-site.

Feb. 25, 2026 | 5 p.m. update

There has been steady progress this week as we continue to move through bridge repair.

Further to our email on Tuesday, the first pile at the southwest corner has been fully welded and has passed all necessary inspections. It is now ready for impact hammering, meaning we have moved past the initial placement and can now use a high-energy pile driver to hammer the steel into the riverbed until it reaches its final depth.

Excavation also began at the second northwest pile site yesterday afternoon. After reaching a depth of approximately 6 feet, crews encountered additional riprap.

We are working diligently to dig out these obstructions and clear the path for the next pile.

Feb. 24, 2026 | 9 a.m. update

There has been good progress on the bridge repair.

The first pile has been successfully driven into the riverbed, and crews have worked through the hard surface layer at that location. Welding and driving will continue until the pile reaches the required depth, which will take some additional time as work is sequenced across the site.

While welding continues on the first pile, crews have moved to the next pile location and have started excavating through the hard surface there. We expect to encounter hard layers of material throughout the worksite, so you may see welding and pile driving happening at the same time in multiple areas. As site conditions evolve, activities will be adjusted as needed to keep progress moving as efficiently as possible.

Feb. 16, 2026 | 6 p.m. update

Crews are continuing bridge repair work at Pier 5. During installation of the first permanent pile, crews encountered rip rap which are materials like large stones, boulders, or concrete that are typically placed around bridge piers to protect them from erosion. Rip rap is designed to stay in place, but can shift, sink, or be moved by strong water currents. This is a known site risk that we identified and communicated from the outset. In this case, the rip rap prevented further progress with piling, and piling work was temporarily paused while the team assessed mitigation options.

After reviewing alternatives, the fastest path forward is to remove the obstructions using specialized excavation equipment. This equipment is currently being mobilized to the site. Thanks to careful planning and close collaboration with the Province, permitting has been fast-tracked.

While this issue is being addressed, crews have continued to progress with other critical activities, including removal of the top sections of Pier 5, which are required to proceed with the remaining piles. Based on this weekend’s developments, the timeline to re-open the bridge has shifted, and it could move again if additional unforeseen circumstances arise.

From the outset, the project team has taken proactive steps to minimize potential delays, including pre-mobilizing materials and equipment and sequencing parallel work activities. These measures have allowed work to continue even while addressing this latest challenge. TransLink and the Province are continuing to financially support barging services to ensure continued goods movement access while bridge repairs are underway, helping maintain service despite this temporary delay.

We appreciate the community’s continued patience as we navigate complex in-water construction conditions.

This is an evolving situation. Given the complexity of the work and external factors such as weather and tides, some changes may happen with limited notice. We will continue to share updates as information becomes available.

Visit www.translink.ca/westham for more information. 

Feb. 3, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. update

Important Update: Full Bridge Closure to Support Repair Work

Over the past several days, we’ve heard clearly through community meetings, on-site conversations, and emails that the top priority is restoring the Westham Island Bridge as quickly as possible, even if that comes with added short-term inconvenience.

To support this priority:

• The bridge will be fully closed to pedestrian crossings starting Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• The closure will remain in place for several weeks and until further notice.
• A water taxi will be in operation 24/7 during the closure to provide access across the river.
• Emergency services will continue to have access at all times.

This change is a necessary trade-off, prioritizing uninterrupted repair work so crews can take advantage of every available efficiency and avoid repeated stops and starts. On some days, work may not be visible from the bridge or shoreline, but critical activities will still be underway on or around the structure. For that reason, and because safety is our top priority, pedestrian access will remain closed even when it may appear that a crossing could be possible.  Full closure allows continuous work and helps ensure no opportunities are lost because of constrained access.

Water Taxi Service (Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.)

Travel time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes one way, depending on tidal conditions. For water taxi questions and information, please call 236.883.2981. The water taxi is for Westham Island residents and employees only.

Departure and arrival locations:

• 4888 Savage Road (Westham Island)
• Wellington Point Park (Ladner)

Schedule:

• 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.: every 30 minutes
  • From Westham Island starting at 5 a.m.
  • From Wellington Point Park starting at 5:15 a.m.
• From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the water taxi is on call, please call 236.883.2981 before heading to the dock.

New Shuttle Service Schedule (Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.)

From Savage Road

• To Westham Island Bridge: :00 and :30 past the hour
• To Alaksen Wildlife Area: :00 and :30 past the hour

There may be up to a 10-minute wait at the Savage Road bus terminus before scheduled departures; passengers can wait onboard the bus.

From Wellington Point Park

• To Westham Island Bridge: :00 and :30 past the hour
• To Ladner Exchange: :15 and :45 past the hour

From Ladner Elementary School

• To Wellington Point Park: Leaves school at 2:50 p.m.

Information for Schools

We recognize this closure will affect students, families, and school staff. School administrators will receive direct updates, and families are encouraged to plan for additional travel time. After school on Wednesday, Feb. 4, a TransLink representative will be on board the after-school shuttle and will accompany students via shuttle and water taxi to Westham Island.

Construction Noise and Work Update

Pile driving will be required and will be noisy. This work is essential to stabilize the bridge and advance repairs, and the City of Delta has amended its noise bylaws to allow overnight construction. Pile driving is expected to start Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. and will occur intermittently as work progresses, including overnight as needed to keep work on schedule. Based on past bridge repair work, pile driving timelines can vary depending on site conditions. We recognize this is disruptive and appreciate your patience as crews complete this critical step.

Emergency Services Access

Emergency responders will continue to have emergency access to the bridge at all times. We are coordinating with the City of Delta and local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) to maintain response capability throughout the repair period. In an emergency, residents should call 911 as they normally would.

Thank you

This is an evolving situation. Given the complexity of the work and external factors such as weather and tides, some changes may happen with limited notice. We will continue to share updates as information becomes available.

Visit www.translink.ca/westham for more information. 

February 1, 2026 | 6:45 p.m. update

What’s happening this evening (Feb. 1)
Three specialized vessels needed for the upcoming repair work are expected to move through the swing span later this evening. As with a typical swing-span opening, this will briefly pause crossings while the span is opened and vessels pass through safely.

School drop-off
Drivers have been advised that any time there are children on the bus, they must pull into the school regardless of whether the stop cord is pulled.

Other requests
We’ve received additional requests and we’re actively working through them. We’ll share more as updates are confirmed.

Timeline
We know that many of you would appreciate a timeline and we are working to share one by the end of this upcoming week. This is complex marine construction and timing can shift based on tides, weather, soil conditions, equipment access, and inspection requirements. Pile driving is a good example, as it can take multiple attempts to achieve the required depth and stability, especially in sandy or shifting soils. As this next stage of work confirms the sequence of the project, we will provide the most accurate timeline we can, and of course this could change based on factors outside of our control.

January 31, 2026 | 6:15 p.m. update

New Repair Approach

To improve efficiency and reduce impacts, the repair approach has been refined. Instead of removing the truss to access the work area, which would have significantly restricted pedestrian movement for around a week, crews will install a temporary support structure beneath the bridge near Pier 5. This allows work to move ahead safely while limiting disruption to pedestrian access mainly to times when the swing span is open, and it also allows multiple activities to happen in parallel.
At a high level, the work plan is to build the temporary support, remove the damaged pier materials and take them offsite, build the new pier and realign the bridge back into place, then remove the temporary support once the new pier is carrying the load. We’ll continue sharing updates as milestones are confirmed and as work progresses.

Today

• The pile driving contractor continued mobilizing on the river, including preparing equipment for next week’s work.
• Bridge crews continued bracing work at Pier 5, with day shift preparing materials and night shift carrying out work around low tide.

Sunday

• City of Delta work will be ongoing in the morning. No other industrial work on the water will take place while diving is underway.
• Pier 5 bracing continues.
• The swing span will open briefly, the same way it does in normal conditions to let a boat pass through. This is needed so work vessels can move to the other side of the bridge.
• An environmental check will happen before any work that could disturb the riverbed.
• The Cone Penetration Test equipment is expected to arrive Sunday night. A CPT is a standard geotechnical test that confirms riverbed ground conditions so engineers can finalize a safe, stable design for the temporary support and the Pier 5 replacement work. The CPT work is expected to begin Monday.

January 30, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. update

Todays update

Work is moving ahead on stabilizing and repairing the Westham Island Bridge. Earlier this week, crews installed additional support in one of the damaged areas. Now they’re focusing on another key support point at Pier 4. Crews are also installing temporary lighting on the bridge to improve safety and visibility for both workers and pedestrians during evening hours.

Friday

A heavy-duty marine crane (a pile rig with a derrick) is now on-site, along with the piles. This was a major effort to get to site today, as promised.

Saturday

Watch for updates from the City of Delta

Sunday

The pile rig and vessel carrying the piles needed for the repair has been on-site since Friday and will move through the swing span to the downstream side. The delay to pedestrian crossings will be similar to when the bridge typically opens to swing.

Specialized vessels will also be on-site to conduct Cone Penetration Tests at Pier 5, which are required to finalize the designs for the Pier 5 replacement. A Cone Penetration Test is a soil test that helps engineers confirm ground conditions beneath the bridge. It involves pushing a probe into the ground near Pier 5. As it goes down, it measures how the soil behaves at different depths, including how firm or soft it is and how it changes layer by layer. That information tells engineers what the ground can safely support and what type of foundation, and depth, will be needed for the Pier 5 replacement.

Environmental scanning will also be completed before any work that could disrupt the riverbed begins.

January 27, 2026 | 3 p.m. update

A message from TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn

“The Westham Island Bridge is more than just a crossing—it’s a vital lifeline for the farmers, families, and local businesses that define this community. I know the recent barge collision and resulting closure has put a massive strain on the community.

“We are doing everything we can to restore the bridge as soon as possible, every hour it’s closed is an hour too long. While we are exploring every possible interim option to get traffic moving, our absolute priority is ensuring the span is structurally safe before vehicles start crossing again.

“As we move forward, we are staying in lockstep with the City of Delta to support resident’s daily needs and expedite these repairs. I recognize how disruptive this has been for families, farmers, and businesses, and I don’t take that lightly. Thank you for your patience as we do this work safely, carefully, and with urgency.”

Bridge repair update

TransLink is moving urgently to restore the Westham Island Bridge following a marine vessel strike on January 20. Engineering inspections have confirmed significant structural damage and, while repairs are complex, work is starting to minimize disruptions and safely reopen the bridge to vehicles as soon as possible.

Detailed inspections show that Pier 5, one of the bridge’s primary support structures, was severely impacted in the collision. This shifted parts of the bridge out of alignment and damaged the bearing that connects the bridge deck to the pier. As a result, Pier 5 is no longer able to safely support vehicle loads.

Due to the age of the bridge, repairs are technically complex and require specialized marine construction. 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.

Planned repair work includes:

• Temporarily lifting a section of the bridge to access and repair the damaged area.
• Replacing damaged piles and beams.
• Reconnecting the pier to the bridge structure.
• Completing final safety inspections before 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. Timelines may be affected by factors such as ongoing inspections, soil conditions, tides, weather, and the age of the bridge.

Why a temporary Bailey bridge isn’t feasible

Following a barge strike in 1969, a temporary Bailey bridge was installed at the site within days. TransLink carefully evaluated using that option again, but the circumstances are different. In 1969, the damage was largely limited to the bridge deck, while the underlying supports remained strong enough to carry a temporary span.

In this case, Pier 5 — a critical support — has been compromised. This affects how loads are carried over the structure, and the foundation at that location cannot be assumed to be safe. Because a Bailey bridge still requires sound supports, installing a temporary span would not address the underlying structural issue. TransLink will continue to explore every feasible option, with safety being the top priority.

Free shuttle services now in place

To help residents and visitors move around safely and reliably, TransLink is running two free accessible shuttle services, operating daily from 5 a.m. (on-island) and 6 a.m. (Delta side) to midnight.

On-island shuttle:

• A free shuttle is now running on Westham Island to improve local access.
• Temporary bus stops have been installed.
• Service runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week.

Bridge to Ladner Exchange loop shuttle:

• A free shuttle operates between the Delta side of the bridge and Ladner Exchange.
• This shuttle serves all local stops, including Wellington Point Park and Ladner Elementary School.
• Riders needing additional assistance can call TransLink’s dedicated Westham Island line at 236.883.4758.

Pedestrian access and emergency services

At some point during repairs, a full closure to pedestrians will be required to complete the work safely. During that period:

• Water taxi service will be available for residents and essential trips.
• Advance notice will be provided once timing is confirmed.
• Emergency access will be maintained.

BC Ambulance Service and Delta Fire and Emergency Services have direct access to the island. Metro Vancouver Transit Police also remains on the Delta side of the bridge 24 hours a day.

Looking ahead: replacement bridge planning underway

TransLink is working with funding partners on a 2027 Investment Plan — which is expected to fund construction of a new Westham Island Bridge. Early replacement planning is underway, including engineering design work. TransLink continues to invest in maintaining the existing bridge to ensure safety and reliability.

For the most up-to-date information about the Westham Island Bridge closure, repair progress, and related access options, please visit translink.ca/westham.

January 23, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. update

The Westham Island Bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic after a marine vessel hit the span on January 20, 2026.

Based on the latest engineering assessment, the damage is significant and repairs are expected to take several weeks, although the timeline will be refined as inspections and design work continue.

TransLink crews and contractors are actively progressing the work needed to safely reopen the bridge. This includes detailed inspections and surveys, structural engineering analysis, and developing the repair design and work plan. We’re also advancing key requirements that affect timing — such as materials sourcing, permitting, and construction sequencing — so repairs can move forward as quickly as possible once plans are confirmed.

While the bridge remains closed to vehicles, TransLink is focused on supporting the Westham Island community by maintaining pedestrian access (with monitoring and occasional restrictions due to the active work site), providing shuttle service and additional assistance for those who need it, and sharing updates as soon as new information is confirmed.

We appreciate the community’s patience while we focus on restoring access as safely and quickly as possible.

January 22, 2026 | 9:15 p.m. update

Earlier this week, a marine vessel hit the Westham Island Bridge, causing damage that required the span to be closed to vehicle traffic. TransLink owns and maintains the bridge, and crews moved quickly to assess the damage and pursue the fastest possible repair.

TransLink has now received an updated assessment from our structural engineer following today’s inspection work. The assessment has provided a better understanding of the extent of the damage.

Because of this new information, the original plan for repair is no longer possible. The damage is more significant, and we still don’t know the full extent.

Over the next several days, crews will begin additional detailed surveys and inspections to support the engineering design needed for this repair.

At this time, we do not have a reliable timeline for reopening the bridge to vehicle traffic. While early estimates suggest repairs could take several weeks, the schedule needs further refinement and will depend on a number of factors — including inspection findings, design requirements, materials availability, and permitting.

We know residents and businesses need certainty, and we don’t want to provide a timeline until we can stand behind it. Safety will continue to guide every decision as we move forward.

In the meantime, we’re focused on supporting the Westham Island community. The bridge will remain closed to all vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrian access will continue, with ongoing monitoring.

TransLink is also working closely with the City of Delta and partners to help residents get where they need to go, including free shuttle service and additional supports for people who may need extra assistance.

We understand how disruptive and stressful this situation is for the Westham Island community, particularly for residents and businesses who rely on the bridge every day.

We remain committed to keeping the community informed and will share updates as soon as new information is confirmed.

January 21, 2026 | 3:40 p.m. update

The Westham Island Bridge is currently closed to vehicles as crews continue damage assessment after a marine vessel hit the span on Tuesday. Pedestrian access is being maintained.

The bridge will remain closed on Thursday and Friday for assessments. Updates on repair timelines and continued closures will be shared as soon as more information is available.

TransLink is providing free accessible shuttle bus service between the 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.

We appreciate the patience of those who are affected as we work to repair and reopen the bridge.

January 20, 2026 | 9:58 p.m. update

Due to an earlier incident involving a marine vessel, the Westham Island Bridge is temporarily closed; crews are inspecting the bridge.
The bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic. Pedestrians may cross the bridge; however, for safety reasons, all crossings must be escorted by Traffic Control Personnel or Delta Police, who are currently on site to assist.

The City of Delta is arranging shuttle service between Wellington Point Park and the bridge. This will allow people travelling to or from Westham Island to take the shuttle to the bridge and walk across, or make the return trip the same way.

January 20, 2026 | 6:10 p.m. update

The Westham Island Bridge remains closed to vehicles, as crews continue damage assessment and repairs.

The City of Delta will be providing shuttle service between the bridge, Wellington Point Park, Ladner Centre, and the Ladner Bus Loop. This will allow people travelling to or from Westham Island to take the shuttle to the bridge and walk across, or make the return trip the same way.

We appreciate the patience of residents as we work to reopen the bridge. More information will be provided when available.