Westham Island Bridge closure
This webpage provides the most up-to-date information on the Westham Island Bridge, after its vehicle closure on January 20, 2026. For more information from the City of Delta, visit delta.ca/westhamislandbridge.
On this page:
Current status
Last updated: 11:30 a.m. on January 23, 2026
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.
Shuttle service
Shuttle – Mainland side
The Westham Island Bridge is closed to vehicle traffic. Pedestrians can travel across the bridge, but the number of people who can cross at one time may be limited as this is an active work site.
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.
Where to board: Parking lot next to the bridge, at 3473 River Road W
TransLink has also set up a dedicated phone number for anyone needing extra shuttle assistance, including passengers with disabilities, seniors, youth, school drop-offs or pick-ups, and late-night support. To request shuttle assistance, call 236.883.4758.
Shuttle – Westham Island
Starting this afternoon, TransLink has added an on-island shuttle service to make getting around the island easier and more accessible for all residents.
Service Details
- Schedule: Runs daily from 6:00 AM until Midnight.
- Frequency: The shuttle will run every 30 minutes.
- Cost: This is a free service for the community.
How to Catch the Shuttle
We are currently in the process of installing temporary bus stops across the island.
- Right now: Please flag down the shuttle driver to board.
- Starting later this afternoon: Once installation is complete later today, please proceed to the marked bus stops for pick-up and drop-off.
Transportation for the Jan 27 Open House
If you are planning to attend the Open House tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, the shuttle is available for transport. Simply head to your closest marked bus stop to head to the event. We have added a temporary shuttle stop directly at the event location for Tuesday only to ensure easy access for all attendees.
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.
Community open house
TransLink is hosting a community open house on Tuesday, January 27 to provide information and to answer questions from those affected by the bridge closure.
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. (drop in any time)
Location: Emma Lea Farms, 2727 Westham Island Rd, Delta, BC V4K 0A4
Transportation for the Jan 27 Open House
If you are planning to attend the Open House tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, the shuttle is available for transport. Simply head to your closest marked bus stop to head to the event. We have added a temporary shuttle stop directly at the event location for Tuesday only to ensure easy access for all attendees.
Frequently asked questions
When will the bridge reopen to vehicle traffic?
At this time, we don’t have a confirmed reopening date. The latest engineering assessment indicates the damage is significant, and early estimates suggest repairs could take several weeks.
What happened to the bridge?
A marine vessel hit the bridge on Tuesday, January 20. Engineers have identified significant damage, and engineers have not deemed the bridge to be strong enough for vehicles right now.
Why is this taking so long?
Safety must come first. Crews need to fully assess the damage, complete the required engineering design and carry out repairs before vehicles can return to the bridge. We recognize how disruptive this is, and work is moving forward as quickly as possible.
Why is TransLink involved with the Westham Island Bridge at all?
TransLink is a transportation authority. Part of TransLink’s mandate is maintaining some of the region’s bridges and helping to maintain the major road network. The Westham Island Bridge is one of five bridges that TransLink owns and maintains in Metro Vancouver.
Previous bridge updates
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.
