Works to apply anti-skid material to the surface of the temporary Longbird Bridge are underway and are expected to be completed as soon as possible, Government announced yesterday.

The temporary bridge, in place until a new one is built, has recently been the site of numerous deck-outs by motorcyclists travelling on it while the bridge is wet.

Yesterday, it was reduced to one-way traffic, as crews from the Ministry of Works and Engineering worked quickly to apply an anti-skid surface to the westbound lane, causing inevitable traffic delays.

And as of yesterday, anti-skid materials had already been applied to the eastbound lane. Traffic has been reduced to one lane since Tuesday when crews began preparing the bridge.

Announcing the efforts and apologising to motorists for the traffic delays, Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said he expected the work to be completed by the end of today.

Mr. Burgess said: "The process involves blasting the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the anti-skid product. I apologise for the fact that a number of motorists experienced delays on Tuesday when they were on their way to work.

"Today, the work commenced after the rush hour to ensure that the public experienced no further inconvenience."

Mr. Burgess also advised motorists to continue to exercise caution while travelling on the bridge and urging them to keep to the speed limit.

Asked why the anti-skid surface had not been applied when the bridge was first built, Mr. Burgess was unable to say, citing his own recent appointment as head of the Ministry.

Meanwhile, he also refused to comment on this paper's and the Opposition's questions on Clifton, which serves as the official residence of the Premier and which has been vacant for more than a year ¿ despite receiving a $1.5 million upgrade at taxpayer expense under former Premier Alex Scott.

Have you decked out on the temporary Longbird Bridge? If so, please contact reporter Tari Trott at ttrott@royalgazette.bm