After more than two months, the only road access to Delta’s Westham Island will reopen Saturday evening.
On Jan. 20, the operators of a barge struck and damaged the island’s only bridge. Vehicle traffic was suspended immediately. TransLink, which manages the bridge, closed access to pedestrians in early February for repairs.
In an update Thursday, TransLink confirmed crews had completed the “final lift,” placing the bridge on 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,” said TransLink.
Since closing pedestrian access, the transit authority has offered a water taxi service that now runs to and from the island every 30 minutes and on call overnight.
In the earliest days of the closure, farmers on Westham Island shared their concerns about the critical loss of road access.
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A spokesperson said TransLink had provided $1.2 million to the City of Delta to help provide barges for farmers delivering their product across the water.
The announcement of the reopening says the shuttle and water taxi service will end at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Anticipating a high volume of traffic, TransLink says it will employ traffic control personnel at all times through the end of March.
While some repair work continues, the water channel through the bridge will remain closed. But TransLink says the bridge may swing open to allow crews to access certain areas as needed.
“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.”