The Ministry of Public Works has put out a new request for quotation for repairs to the ageing Swing Bridge in St George’s.

The RFQ, published on the government procurement website this week, said the work would involve “partial reconstruction of the deck slab and of the approach spans and swing span of the bridge”.

The Swing Bridge, which links St David’s and St George’s, was expected to reach the end of its useful life in 2021.

The RFQ documents state that the work would involve the demolition and disposal of existing asphalt, membrane and concrete infill, along with the curb and sidewalk.

“When breaking out concrete in the deck troughing, contractor is to take care not to damage the existing steel,” the RFQ states.

“Drains shall be temporarily plugged to prevent material falling into Ferry Reach. Asphalt is not expected to be fit for re-use.”

The contractor would also be responsible for reinstating the concrete deck, curb and sidewalk and handrails.

The deadline for submissions for the project is 3pm on September 28 with the anticipated execution of the agreement on November 20.

The RFQ is the third to be issued by the Government concerning the bridge this year.

In March, the ministry put out an RFQ seeking a firm to carry out urgent repairs to the bridge.

That was followed in June by an RFQ looking for a company to carry out additional temporary repairs on the ageing Swing Bridge in St George’s.

That RFQ involved the supply, fabrication and installation of new steel beams.

The ministry has also put out a request for proposal to review plans for proposed replacements for both the Swing Bridge and nearby Longbird Bridge.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said last year that $400,000 had been earmarked in this year’s Budget for repair work on the bridge.

However, he said plans to replace the bridge had been put on the back burner because of the economic challenges faced by the Government.