The main road leading to Westham Island in Delta has been closed off due to a barge collision with the bridge on Tuesday night. Mayor George Harvie described the incident as significant, causing damage that has rendered the bridge impassable for vehicles under TransLink’s management.
Local authorities including the City of Delta’s engineering team, police, and fire departments are actively responding to the situation on Wednesday morning. Mayor Harvie emphasized the immediate focus on getting essential services across the bridge by deploying a small fire truck to the island.
Efforts are underway by TransLink and city personnel to assess and implement temporary fixes to reopen the road for traffic. In response to the closure, an emergency operation center has been set up, offering shuttle services from various points to facilitate access to Westham Island.
With around 200 residents on Westham Island, Mayor Harvie is prioritizing the restoration of access for the community while TransLink investigates the barge operators’ responsibilities regarding the incident.