dangerous state of repair.

Repair work on the bridge -- which is to cost $600,000 -- started last week as the $140,000 temporary causeway opened around the site.

And yesterday, workmen removing old hardwood joists from the structure discovered just how rotten the whole bridge was.

Works and Engineering Minister CV (Jim) Woolridge said much of the wood crumbled into powder when it was lifted from the bridge, with other joists being rotten to the core.

"It was in a critical state,'' he said, reinforcing his stand against critics who said the work should have waited until after the tourist season.

"It was very dangerous, I don't know what people are getting excited about, we are doing what is right for the public.'' Engineers will replace the wooden joists with concrete and steel to reinforce the structure. The road surface will be a new tar which has already been used at a site in St. George's.

The part of the bridge that opens -- forming the smallest drawbridge in the world -- will be replaced with new wood.

The whole project is intended to ensure the bridge's lifespan into the next hundred years.

Repairs are to be finished by July 12, and once the bridge is completed Mr.

Woolridge reaffirmed that the causeway would be taken up as promised and the entire area landscaped.

In addition, Mr. Woolridge appealed for motorists using the causeway to use extreme caution, as many were driving too fast around the site.