The Causeway - which was left battered and broken following the wrath of Hurricane Fabian - is not likely to be fully operational for another month, Government warned yesterday.

Works and Engineering Minister Neletha Butterfield said construction work to rebuild the major bridge linking the East End to the remainder of the Island was progressing, but said there would be restrictions for some time yet.

She said the Causeway was structurally safe for the passage of all but heavy class vehicles using a single lane down the centre of the road, provided weather conditions were normal.

Although she said heavy vehicles should be able to use the bridge by late tomorrow.

However, the Minister said in the event of strong winds in excess of 30 mph and or extended periods of heavy rain, it may be necessary to close the Causeway to all traffic, except emergency vehicles, for the duration of the bad weather.

And the road will continue to be closed at night, operating with one-way traffic only during daylight hours.

"In order to provide vehicular access, work is concentrated at night," said Ms Butterfield. "The rate of progress is dependent upon the weather and traffic flow.

"Assuming we can maintain a good rate of progress without interruption, we aim to have two lanes of traffic, at least up to the badly damaged eastern end, and night usage, by early October.

"It is imperative that only persons who must cross the Causeway do so. All others should refrain from entering the area. We appreciate the patience and co-operation of the travelling public during this restoration process.

The Minister said The Causeway had been damaged in several areas, but the worst section affected was immediately west of Longbird Bridge for about 250 metres.

She said the parapet walls above road level had collapsed, areas of asphalt had been lifted and a section at the Blue Hole end also had sidewalls damaged.

Island Construction has already begun to fill depressions where asphalt has been removed and has placed large armour stones in the areas where the sidewalls have been damaged or washed away.

The next steps include stabilising the walls near to Blue Hole, and then relaying asphalt on the filled areas to a width of about 15 feet in the centre of the road to provide a smoother riding surface. This work is expected to be complete by September 18.

Work will then continue on the reconstruction of the sidewalls, which will restore the Causeway back to its original condition.

The Minister said all major roads around the Island were now cleared, and work would begin on the side roads, and she said she expected the trash collection to resume again sometime late next week.

Until then, people have been asked to take their trash bags to the publicised designated areas. Meanwhile, work is continuing on the schools in the hope they can be re-opened as planned next Monday.

Ms Butterfield praised those working to restore the Island and asked for continued patience.