million repair job, causing chaos for rush-hour motorists and sending boat owners into a fury.

The swing bridge, at the end of the Causeway at St. George's, failed to close after opening to let a boat through, causing cars to back up to Swizzle Inn.

Road traffic was allowed back on after more than an hour, but marine traffic cannot yet go through.

A week ago the bridge re-opened to road traffic after nearly two years of repairs by the US Navy. It only opened to marine traffic on Thursday, after the removal of temporary Bailey bridges used during the repairs.

"I was stuck on the bridge for 15 minutes,'' fumed motorist Miss Kim McCallan. "The boat went through and when they went to close it, the bridge didn't lock back into place. The emergency bars came down and the alarm went off. Cars, trucks and other large vehicles were not allowed to go through.

Only bikes were permitted.

"For us to get through some other people on bikes and I had to get off and lift up the emergency bars. I believe the traffic was backed up pass Swizzle Inn on Blue Hole Hill.'' Mr. Alex Outerbridge, co-chairman of last week's Marine Clean-up Day, said he had warned the Ministry of Works and Engineering to hold off on removing the Bailey bridges.

"I suggested they be left in place for about a month in case of any mishaps.'' Mr. Paul Wakefield, owner of the Sundeck Too charter boat, said: "I am very frustrated. It's ridiculous. Now we are back to square one and inconvenienced again. This is chaotic.'' United States Naval Air Station Spokesman Ensign Marie McGahan said: "US Navy engineers from Norfolk, Virginia will be flown into the Island tomorrow to do some testing of the bridge. ...A wedge of the bridge would not lock in.'' The incident immediately sparked comment in the House of Assembly. St.

George's North MP Miss Jennifer Smith said: "Serious consideration needs to be given to an emergency plan to cope with any bridge breakdown.'' Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira said Longbird Bridge had malfunctioned due to an electrical fault. The electrical contractors had left the Island 48 hours earlier.