Delta reveals plan to support residents impacted by bridge closure | Daily Hive

Delta reveals plan to support residents impacted by long-term bridge closure

Westham Island Bridge in Delta before the collision. (Barrie Barrington/Shutterstock)

After a vessel collision closed a Metro Vancouver bridge in Delta last week, impacts are continuing to surface, as are the plans to support those who’ve been impacted.

On Jan. 20, Daily Hive Urbanized reported that the Westham Island Bridge would be temporarily closed, with TransLink reporting that it was an incident “involving a marine vessel.”

We later learned the severity of the impact and that the closure would be longer-lasting than initially thought.

On Monday, the City of Delta revealed how it would support the community in what it calls a “long-term closure” of Westham Island Bridge.

Delta said that the City’s efforts are now shifting to longer-term assistance and that the City is consulting with island farms and residents to “better understand their needs and to coordinate supports as life continues without vehicle access to the bridge while TransLink works to expedite repairs.”

Delta Mayor George Harvie says that the City took a prioritized approach after learning of the bridge strike, starting with emergency services, then transportation and then farm and community needs.

“As it now appears vehicle access may be unavailable for several weeks, we are looking at what more can be done to support daily life on the island,” Harvie said in a City of Delta news release.

To make matters worse, a precautionary boil water advisory was issued on Jan. 23, after a leak was discovered in the water main running in the Fraser River underneath the bridge.

One of the impacted businesses is Emma Lea Farms, which was forced to close its farm market this past weekend due to the bridge closure.

“Crews are working to assess the damage, and we will provide updates when we know when we can open again. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your support while we try and navigate our way through this challenging time,” the farm shared in an Instagram post a few days ago. The farm received an outpouring of support from followers on Instagram.

We’ve reached out to Emma Lea Farms to learn how operations may have been impacted since this weekend, as well as for an operational update on when they’ve been told things might turn around.

Actions Delta is taking in response to the emergency

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The City of Delta has outlined several ways in which it has responded to the bridge closure.

For starters, a temporary shuttle service was launched to support workers and residents who are travelling to and from the island.

Delta has also delivered emergency equipment to the island, maintaining access to emergency services like fire, police and ambulance.

The City of Delta has also met with local farmers to understand their urgent transportation needs. The City has also begun constructing a temporary bypass of the damaged water main to support continued water service.

“Everyone is doing their part, and it’s been especially heartwarming to see how neighbours are supporting one another,” Harvie said.

“Whether it’s Jeremy from Mad Props Marine assisting with barge operations or Brad providing on-island shuttle services, we are seeing the best of Delta during a very challenging situation.”

Residents are encouraged to contact the call centre at 604-952-5445 with questions or concerns.

Daily Hive Urbanized first reported on the bridge before the vessel collision last year, when it uncovered TransLink’s plans to replace the bridge that was built in 1910.

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