The Causeway?s Longbird swing bridge broke down yesterday morning ? causing panic among those trying to catch lunchtime flights and enormous traffic congestion across the eastern parishes.

While the foot-wide gap was too big for vehicles to safely negotiate, desperate travellers were forced cross the divide on foot in order to make it to the Airport on time.

The Causeway swarmed with cars, bikes and luggage-laden pedestrians ? the latter wilting in the oppressive morning heat.

?It was like some kind of exodus,? said Lauren Mackenzie-Wilson, attempting to catch her flight to JFK en route to Los Angeles.

?There were people all over the bridge, just trailing their luggage. It was quite a sad scene.

?You?d think on an island like Bermuda there would be a better way of getting people to the Airport.

?I felt sorry for a few people ? it was bloody hot and some very small women were having to cope with some very big bags.

?Everyone seemed to take it in good spirits ? they probably all had holiday?s as much fun as mine ? although there were some very sweaty people in the line at check-in!?

While bridge operators managed to move the bridge back into position for traffic to move across, a Bermuda Harbour Radio spokesman confirmed last night that it is still not operational and boats wishing to pass through will be turned away.

The spokesman could give no indication as to when the mechanical problem will be repaired, however.

The bridge itself used to be maintained by the United States as part of the bases agreement but is now the responsibility of Government having received an $11 million compensation package from the Americans.

The antiquated structure is nearing the end of its natural life, however, and has proved a major financial burden ? having cost $3 million to maintain in 2003 alone.