The work to fix the Westham Island Bridge has passed a milestone.
In January, the operators of a barge struck and damaged the island’s only bridge and road access. Vehicle traffic was suspended immediately and TransLink, which manages the bridge, closed access to pedestrians in early February for repairs.
Delta Mayor George Harvie says TransLink has told him that with pile-driving work on the foundation finished, construction can now focus on the bridge’s steel structure.
Despite the good news, he isn’t sure when the span will reopen.
“They’re hoping more in a couple more weeks… But the anxiety is still there amongst the farmers. But they’re keeping their fingers crossed,” said Harvie.
He says the construction continues 24/7, while farmers have been forced to adjust their planting schedules.
“I’m hoping there’ll be an end to this that would be suitable and save our farmers from having to not plant this year.”
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TransLink has not provided a public update about the bridge’s condition since early February.
Since closing pedestrian access, it has offered a water taxi service that now runs to and from the island every 30 minutes and on call overnight.
A spokesperson said TransLink had provided $1.2 million to the City of Delta to help provide barge access for farmers to deliver product across the water.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to TransLink for the latest.