GOVERNMENT is paying lip service to East End residents by failing to find a replacement for the Causeway, it has been claimed.

And Kim Swan, United Bermuda Party MP for St. George's West, also argues that a Bailey Bridge erected to replace Longbird Bridge is only a temporary solution ¿ and that residents are concerned about the amount of stress it can take.

The bridge, which is the final link between the Causeway and St. George's parish, was erected last July after officials ruled that Longbird Bridge had become unsafe. At the time Government said a replacement would take up to four years to complete and that the Bailey Bridge was a stop-gap measure.

"Notwithstanding, five months later we have not heard of any plans to address the long-term need for an adequate crossing to replace the temporary structure," Mr. Swan said yesterday.

"Today, motorists and East End residents are expressing concern about the level of stress the Bailey Bridge can withstand ¿ and they would prefer if Government was more openly pursuing alternative plans to rectify the problem. Many say it is a matter of time but many residents would feel more reassured knowing plans are moving forward to replace the temporary structure. The existing Causeway and the Longbird Bridge are the roadway connection between the parish of St. George's and the remainder of the islands of Bermuda ¿ and the memory of the damage caused as a result of Hurricane Fabian in 2003 remains with many of us."

Mr. Swan also called on Government to inform the public of its long-term plans to replace the Causeway, pointing out that Government had been silent on the issue for more than a year.

Government first announced plans for a replacement Causeway at the start of 2004, after the vital link was damaged by Hurricane Fabian in September 2003.

In 2005 Canadian firm Associated Engineering was commissioned by Government to carry out a feasibility study into new designs, but the architectural firm was dismissed from the project the following year ¿ after picking up a $1.5 million pay cheque.

The company was also ordered by Government not to divulge details of its termination to the press, although then-Works & Engineering Minister David Burch explained the company was dropped because "they got too much business".

"The bottom line was that this was a small project for them and they weren't really able to get started," Sen. Burch said in August 2006.

Government has remained silent on the project's progress ever since, prompting allegations of incompetence from the Opposition.

Yesterday, Mr. Swan said: "The PLP Government severed ties with the team of international consultants it commissioned ¿ which were specialised engineering experts in bridge/transportation construction ¿ to undertake a feasibility study that will make recommendations regarding a new crossing across the waters of Castle Harbour and Grotto Bay. They need to provide options and ultimately a solution for improvements to the existing Causeway and Longbird Bridge.

"Major capital projects need to be planned out ¿ they can't be just left dangling out there. This project got started but where is the follow through? This issue really has to be a priority but instead, it would appear Government only does something to satisfy the initial concerns and to pacify the public, but once the matter disappears off the public's radar, the whole thing is then put on the backburner and forgotten about.

The Causeway is so vital to the whole island. Not only is it the only link to St. George's, it is also the only artery to the airport, which we depend on, both for tourists and for international business ¿ it's the island's lifeblood.

"Whilst this Government have been content with the completion of this temporary solution ¿ we in the United Bermuda Party would make this project a priority ¿ particularly when considering that this area is a vital artery for St. George's parish and Bermuda.

"Many will also remember that Government received $11 million from the US Government for the replacement of the bridge ¿ which was maintained by the US Navy when present in Bermuda. The lessons from Hurricane Fabian should remind us how vulnerable the Causeway is and how isolated the East End was when we were cut off from the rest of Bermuda.

"The time for this PLP Government to act has passed. We in the United Bermuda Party will be more pro-active and place this project back on the radar screen before the current temporary bridge becomes a problem."

Yesterday, the Mid-Ocean News contacted the Ministry of Works & Engineering asking for a progress report on the project. No response was received by press time last night.

However, a Ministry spokesman did confirm that the department had ordered in a shipment of "anti-skid products" which will be applied to the Bailey Bridge "in order to ensure the continued safety of the travelling public".

"These products will be installed immediately upon arrival," the spokesman said.

"In the meantime, riders and drivers are advised to use extreme caution while travelling over the bridge. The public is also advised that the speed limit over the bridge has been reduced to 20 kmh with immediate effect. Signs indicating the reduced speed have been posted and the public is reminded to adhere to all posted signs and road markings.

"The Government is committed towards the continued safety of the travelling public and will introduce any additional measure that assists in that regard. We look forward to the public's co-operation."