Westham Island Bridge Closed After Vessel Collision in Vancouver

The Westham Island Bridge in Metro Vancouver is currently closed after a marine vessel collided with the structure. The incident occurred on the evening of October 3, 2023, according to TransLink. This bridge serves as the sole fixed road connection between Westham Island, a rural area in Delta known for its farming and wildlife conservation efforts, and the mainland.

TransLink announced that crews are inspecting the bridge to assess any potential damage. As of now, no further details about the incident or the extent of the damage have been released. Delta City Councillor Dylan Kruger confirmed to Daily Hive Urbanized that a marine vessel was involved in the collision. In response to the situation, the City of Delta has activated its emergency operations centre, with municipal staff notifying both emergency services and residents of the closure.

Bridge Details and Significance

The Westham Island Bridge, constructed in 1910, is a single-lane, wood-deck truss bridge measuring 325 metres in length and standing 4.4 metres above the Fraser River. A unique feature of this bridge is its steel swing span, which opens multiple times each day to allow marine traffic to pass. Despite its utility, the bridge faces several limitations: it has low clearances for marine vessels, cannot accommodate the weight of semi-trucks vital for local agricultural businesses, and lacks dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. It is noteworthy that the swing-span mechanism can freeze in sub-zero temperatures, forcing marine traffic to take lengthy detours.

The bridge, while not widely known, plays a vital role in the transportation infrastructure of the region and is owned and operated by TransLink. Ongoing maintenance efforts aim to ensure its safety and functionality, but the bridge’s wooden structure is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, having been originally designed for 60 years of use. Now at 115 years old, the need for a replacement has become increasingly urgent.

Future Plans for Replacement

In December 2025, TransLink plans to replace the Westham Island Bridge, as reported by Daily Hive Urbanized. This decision comes in light of the existing bridge’s age, deficiencies, and vulnerabilities. The current structure’s limitations have raised concerns about safety and efficiency, particularly for the local farming community that relies on reliable transport routes for their goods.

The bridge’s closure has caused disruptions for residents and businesses on Westham Island, underscoring the critical need for modern infrastructure that can support both local needs and emergency services. As inspections continue, residents are advised to seek alternative routes while officials work to determine the next steps for reopening the bridge.