Westham Island Bridge, Wooden truss bridge in Delta, Canada
Westham Island Bridge is a wooden truss bridge in Delta that spans a waterway to connect the island with the mainland using traditional timber framing. The structure features a narrow single-lane deck and a movable center span that allows boats to pass through.
The bridge was built in 1912 as a replacement for ferry service that had connected the area since 1882 when local food processing operations began. This shift reflected the region's movement toward permanent infrastructure to support growing agricultural and industrial activities.
The bridge takes its name from the island it serves and is recognized locally as a working example of heritage engineering still in daily use. People in the area depend on it as the main crossing to access the rural farmland and natural areas that define the island's character.
Visitors should expect occasional closures when boats need to pass through, especially during busy seasons when water traffic increases. The bridge is narrow, so crossing requires careful driving as two vehicles have difficulty passing each other.
The bridge retains the ability to operate manually alongside its electric systems, a rare combination that preserves original mechanical methods from its early years. This dual capacity allows it to function even if modern systems require maintenance.
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