Bridge to Westham Island closed after barge strike; Delta running shuttle
Posted January 21, 2026 7:44 am.
Last Updated January 21, 2026 8:07 pm.
The only road access to Delta’s Westham Island has been shut down after the operators of a barge struck the connecting bridge from the water Tuesday night.
Mayor George Harvie says it was a “significant strike through a barge of significant size,” and the damage is such that TransLink — which manages the bridge — isn’t allowing vehicles across.
TransLink spokesperson Thor Diakow tells CityNews that the company’s top priority right now is ensuring “the community on Westham Island has access to first responders and emergency services.”
“Once the bridge is deemed safe for vehicle traffic, that will be the priority, getting a smaller emergency vehicle… to make sure it’s stationed on the island just in case.”
He says TransLink is also considering setting up a water taxi exclusively for paramedics and other responders.
Meanwhile, Harvie says the City of Delta’s engineering staff, police, and fire departments have been on the scene since the incident was reported.
As officials inspect the antiquated bridge, residents from the opposite bank vented their frustrations.
Megan Andersen teaches in nearby Tsawwassen and says she’s never seen anything like this in all her years living on the island.
“The bridge was scheduled to be replaced at some point, and we don’t know what next week will bring. This might be a multi-week situation,” she said.
“It does cause some stress to some of my kids. My son, we still managed to get him to scouts last night, but then we were home at 10 o’clock last night.”
Rachel Ryall owns a farm on Westham Island and says she’s concerned about deliveries coming in and out.
“We’re trying to get some rerouted and hopefully we catch them, but otherwise I don’t know. We’ll have to wait to see what happens,” said Ryall.
She says the bridge can’t handle larger deliveries right now, meaning food will rot.
“It’s a bit of a drag because I know some farms will have farmers’ markets and they need to get product off the island, especially larger growers moving large truckloads of produce.”
TransLink and city staff, Harvie says, are working to explore opportunities for temporary repairs to restore traffic as soon as possible.
The city has started an emergency operation centre, providing shuttle service from 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,” said a city statement.
While TransLink will be responsible for determining the consequences for the barge operators, Harvie says he’s focused on connecting emergency services and “trying to get access for people that live on the island or work on the island.”
Harvie says approximately 200 people live on Westham Island.
—With files from Dean Recksiedler and Monika Gul
