Environmental fears over the damage a temporary causeway might do at Somerset Bridge may have been dispelled.

Engineers working on the $600,000 renovation of the famous minature drawbridge have discovered fish believed to be breeding around the boulders used to support the road.

Works and Engineering Minister, C.V. Jim Woolridge, said it seemed that the foundations had become a haven for several species of fish.

And he said the National Trust's marine environmental committee -- who had met with engineers to discuss the possible impact of the project -- were happy with the progress.

He also revealed feedback from regular users of the indicated that many would like to see the causeway stay when the drawbridge is ready for opening.

"I find that users are saying "leave it the way it is'' and leave the bridge for people who want to walk over,'' he said.

"But we are going to take it all up, we have to think of the small boat operators.'' Mr. Woolridge said, apart from some coral damage, the causeway had been a success, on an environmental and safety front.

"We believe that fish had been encouraged to breed in between the boulders.

The fish had been gathering there, I was shocked when I saw the schools of fish building up there.'' Works and Engineering staff had met with National Trust members to give them an update on the work, including slides of the marine life in the water.

Previously the Trust was concerned about the possible impact on marine life as the waterway was filled in with boulders as a foundation for the causeway.

In another development the Somerset Bridge Post Office -- relocated from the site during the renovations -- could be staying at its temporary location at the Hitching Post.

Mr. Woolridge said the temporary location was more convenient and user-friendly with its increased space for vehicles.

"I like the Post Office where it is, we have got more space, more parking -- it will be an ideal spot,'' he said. "The old building could be used as a visitor service centre which won't require any parking.'' Meanwhile, work at the site is on target and the drawbridge is expected to be open again by the second week in July.

Engineers are preparing to replace the rotten wooden struts with pre-cast concrete members, and once the work is complete the causeway will be taken up.