$2M worth of produce potentially stuck on Westham Island amid bridge closure: farmer

A tranquil corner of Metro Vancouver known for its farmland and bird sanctuary has been largely cut off from the rest of the Lower Mainland.

Westham Island in Delta is still largely cut off from the mainland after a barge collided with its bridge Tuesday evening.

That’s leaving people—and produce—stranded, with only pedestrian traffic allowed over the damaged 116 year old crossing.

“I heard a horrendous crashing noise,” Westham Island resident Michael Kidder said of the collision, before sharing his thoughts in those moments. “Oh dear, what is the damage to the bridge, because it’s a lifeline for Westham Island, and primarily, I’m going, ‘Who allowed something that big to go through here?’”

The wood has ruptured on one side of the bridge while the main section appears out of alignment.

The bridge is operated by TransLink and is being assessed for damage.

Westham Island is home to major farm businesses, a couple hundred people, and a wildlife conservation area.

Hugh Reyonlds of Reynelda Farms estimates there could be as much as $2-million worth of produce stuck on the island.

“Two, three thousand pounds of potatoes, beets,” Reynolds estimated to CTV News on the Westham Island side of the bridge. “The government has to stop allowing barges to go through this bridge.”

While expressing frustration that a large barge came through, Reynolds said the long-term solution has to be a new bridge.

The City of Delta arranged shuttle buses for residents able to walk across shortly after the bridge was shut down to vehicle traffic, and TransLink added shuttle service on Wednesday.

That service will run between the bridge and Ladner Exchange, operating daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

“We’re waiting for a full inspection with regards to the structure that was damaged,” Delta Mayor George Harvie told CTV News. “Right now, we’re trying to everything possible as a city and with council support to provide funding and infrastructure and support to the people of Westham Island.”

The bridge will remain closed to vehicle traffic at least until Friday, although depending on the damage, it could be closed even longer.