The tight-knit community of Westham Island in Delta is facing an unexpected challenge as their only bridge to the mainland was recently damaged by a barge. With the bridge out of commission, the 200 residents are banding together, sharing shuttles and news to stay connected. TransLink hosted a townhall to discuss plans for repairing the critical 116-year-old bridge, a vital link for the island’s agricultural community.
For Westham Island residents like Hugh Reynolds, the bridge closure poses a significant concern for their farming livelihoods. With the planting season approaching, the City of Delta has implemented emergency barge transport to ensure equipment and produce can still be transported. TransLink estimates it will take about a month to complete the necessary repairs, involving cranes on barges lifting and reinstalling parts of the bridge structure. However, challenges like the silty riverbed and potential weather delays may impact the timeline.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure a successful planting season. Some are calling for a new two-lane bridge, highlighting the need for a more reliable infrastructure solution. While TransLink acknowledges plans for a new bridge in the future, funding and implementation are still distant prospects. In the meantime, the community is rallying together to overcome the current bridge crisis and eagerly anticipate the return of their vital connection to the mainland.