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.

The bridge is currently open to vehicle traffic

Current status

March 28, 7:30 p.m. update

The Westham Island Bridge has reopened to vehicle traffic following critical safety repairs after a marine vessel damaged one of the bridge’s piers in late January. Crews have completed the necessary work to safely reopen the bridge to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Over the past 67 days, crews have been working around the clock to repair the bridge as safely and efficiently as possible. Repairs have included installation of a temporary pier, removal of the damaged pier materials, rehabilitation of the bridge deck, and construction of a new pier, which involved pile driving and installing large structural support beams.

Some critical repair work will continue in the coming weeks to stabilize piles with rock protection, remove the temporary pier, and add more steel reinforcements. The navigation channel remains closed to marine traffic while this is an active construction site.

There may also be intermittent times when the swing span must open to allow crews to safely access specific areas and complete the remaining work. These openings will last around 15 minutes at a time and will be scheduled overnight to minimize further disruptions to the community.

Over the past several weeks, teams from TransLink, City of Delta, the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and the Ministry of Agriculture have worked closely together to support the community and help restore access to Westham Island. This reopening reflects the commitment of the many people who contributed to the repair effort in every capacity.

TransLink thanks Westham Island residents, businesses, mariners, and bridge users for their patience as crews worked to repair the bridge as quickly as possible.

Marine Traffic Restriction

[March 24, 2:19 p.m.]

To complete the remaining emergency works safely, the NAVWARN has been extended, meaning the navigation channel will remain closed to marine traffic until construction is complete. This is projected to continue for the next several weeks. We will issue notice prior to the channel reopening.

TransLink continues to work with Transport Canada to develop revised operating procedures and mitigation measures within TransLink’s authority to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring again. We will advise of any changes to marine navigation prior to procedures taking effect.

We are committed to providing the community with 48 hours notice in advance of the bridge reopening to vehicle traffic so you can plan accordingly.

Previous bridge updates

March 26, 6:30 p.m. update

We are pleased to confirm that the Westham Island Bridge will reopen to vehicle traffic this Saturday, March 28, at approximately 7:00 p.m.

This milestone follows the successful completion of the final lift, where the bridge was carefully placed onto its new permanent support structure. Our team has completed the safety inspection, which confirms the bridge will be ready to reopen to vehicle traffic on Saturday.

What You Need to Know

We expect a high volume of traffic during the initial reopening. Traffic control personnel will remain on-site 24/7 through the end of March. They will be relocated from Savage Road and Wellington Point Park to the bridge to support safe and efficient traffic movement.

As bridge access is restored, temporary shuttle, water taxi, and Evo services will end on Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. The final water taxi will leave from Savage Road to Wellington Point Park at that time. Please make travel plans accordingly as we shift back to full vehicle access on the bridge.

As mentioned in Tuesday’s email, some emergency repair work, including continued placement of rock protection, removing the temporary structure, and placing some additional steel reinforcements, will continue over the next several weeks. Transport Canada’s navigation warning will remain in place while this work is underway, which means the navigation channel remains closed to marine traffic.

There may also be times when the swing span opens to allow crews to safely access specific areas and complete the remaining emergency work. These openings would be controlled, limited, and similar to regular swing span operations. To minimize disruptions, these activities will be scheduled between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., up to three times per week for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Next Steps

Our teams will be on-site over the next 48 hours completing final activities to prepare the roadway for Saturday evening’s reopening. Thank you for your patience and support throughout this phase of the complex emergency repair.

March 24, 2:19 p.m. update

We are pleased to share that we’ve reached the final phase of repairs before reopening the bridge to vehicle traffic. Today, crews began lifting the bridge onto its new support structure; this work is proceeding on schedule.

Over the weekend, we began the delicate task of placing protective rocks around the new piles to restore the riverbed to its original depth. While the work closest to the structure will be finished before reopening, the remaining rock placement will continue for several weeks after vehicles return to the bridge.

Marine traffic restrictions

To complete the remaining emergency works safely, the NAVWARN has been extended, meaning the navigation channel will remain closed to marine traffic until construction is complete. This is projected to continue for the next several weeks. We will issue notice prior to the channel reopening.

TransLink continues to work with Transport Canada to develop revised operating procedures and mitigation measures within TransLink’s authority to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring again. We will advise of any changes to marine navigation prior to procedures taking effect.

We are committed to providing the community with 48 hours notice in advance of the bridge reopening to vehicle traffic so you can plan accordingly.

March 22, 2:53 p.m. update

We continued to make great progress this week as the welding of the main support beams is now complete and has passed all design and safety standards.

With the steel finalized, we are moving into the final phase. Starting tomorrow, our teams will begin the precision process of lifting the bridge onto its new support structure.

To ensure we are protecting the local ecosystem, an environmental scan was performed yesterday to confirm no sturgeon were in the area. With that confirmed, we can move forward with placing large stones to shield the new piles from riverbed erosion and protect the bridge’s long-term stability.

We are continuing to take advantage of the current bridge closure to complete as much rehabilitation as possible. Crews continue to replace the deck planks on the east approach, and work on the railings is set to be finished tomorrow. Our primary focus remains opening the bridge to traffic, so non-essential rehabilitation work will be rescheduled to a future date.

The bridge repair continues to be an active and complex work zone, with both marine and construction teams working in a tightly confined area. This work includes evolving onsite conditions that crews are actively managing, and this phase of work remains on schedule.

March 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. update

Construction Update

The installation and welding of the main support beams is now largely complete. Next steps in this phase include final welding in a few key areas, and then inspections to confirm that all connections meet the required design and safety standards.

We will then lift the bridge onto its new support structure. This precision work is scheduled to start in the coming days and is the final step in transferring the bridge’s weight to the new foundation.

To ensure long-term stability of the new pier, large rip rap materials will be arriving this weekend, which will be placed to protect the pier from erosion. Additionally, deck rehab work is ongoing as our crews continue to maximize this work during the closure.

Looking Ahead

Our priority is to reopen the bridge to vehicle traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. To achieve this, some repair work will continue for approximately four weeks after the bridge reopens. To complete the remaining emergency works safely, marine passage will remain restricted while this work takes place.

As we move into the final stages of these repairs, there may also be times when the swing span opens to allow crews to safely access specific areas and complete the remaining work. These openings would be controlled, limited, and similar to regular swing span operations. To minimize disruptions, these activities are being scheduled between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., up to three times per week for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Our focus remains on completing these final technical steps safely and efficiently.

March 16, 2026 | 10:23 p.m. update

Repair work continued to progress over the weekend. With welding now complete on the pile caps, crews moved on to welding the large structural beams that will support the bridge. These critical load-bearing beams were successfully lifted into position over the weekend and will play a key role in supporting the bridge once repairs are complete.

We will now verify the alignment and positioning of the beams before moving to the next stage of work, which involves extensive welding to secure all connections. Over the coming days, crews will focus on these welding activities, which remain dependent on weather conditions, as wind and rain can affect both quality and safety. Tide forecasts show more opportunities to work during low tide this week, and multiple crews will weld simultaneously to make the most of those windows.

In parallel, deck replacement work on the east approach of the bridge will continue this week. Crews will be removing and replacing deteriorated deck panels to improve the approach roadway condition.

March 12, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. update

We have reached several key repair milestones across the site over the last few days, despite freezing temperatures and tides conditions resulting in some work taking longer than expected.

All four pile caps are now successfully installed, and crews have proceeded to install the support beams. The first two lateral beams are in place and include 16 supporting steel plates. Next, crews will place and weld the crossbeams. This work requires significant welding to ensure the bridge can adequately and safely support weight requirements.

Welding can only happen during low tide to allow crews safe and direct access to the work area. Additionally, sub-zero temperatures like we experienced this week required a slower pace, as applying high heat to freezing steel can cause the beams to twist or warp.

Once the steelwork is complete, we will begin the final technical sequence to transfer the weight of the bridge onto its new permanent foundation. This involves a carefully managed hydraulic jack at the new pier, where we will install the new bearings and remove the temporary supports that have held the bridge in place during the repair.

Reopening Timeline

Given the nature of the welding work, cold temperatures, and tides windows, we are still unable to provide a reliable completion date. We are, however, working with our contractor to ensure we can provide a minimum of 48 hours notice for re-opening.

Swing Span Update

We recognize that many of you have questions about the future operation of the bridge’s swing span. Swing span operations will continue when the bridge re-opens to maintain waterway access, which TransLink is required to provide by law. The decision to close the navigable passage rests with the federal government and Transport Canada.

To reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring again, TransLink will engage with Transport Canada, Indigenous Nations, elected officials, and other stakeholders — including the marine community — on mitigation measures within TransLink’s authority.

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.

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.