The Ministry of Works and Engineering has contracted several companies to find out how best to upgrade or replace the existing Causeway.

The contract was awarded to a joint venture partnership of Associated Engineering and OBM International, a Ministry spokeswoman announced yesterday.

?We believe that this is a very critical initiative being undertaken by the Ministry, and it is important for the public to be as informed as possible,? Works and Engineering Minister Ashfield DeVent said. ?We are keen on presenting this initiative in depth to give the public a better understanding of the scope and nature of the study, and I want to encourage residents, when the time comes, to come out and participate to the fullest in our forums.?

The Minister said he was pleased with progress on the project thus far and noted that the first steps will involve examining existing marine and terrestrial environmental studies, as well as an initial round of consultations with stakeholders and local interest groups.

Ministry officials said that the aim of the project is to identify a new crossing option that will better withstand extreme weather conditions, while at the same time provide a safe and reliable route for vehicular, pedestrian and marine traffic. Among the factors considered will be the natural, social and economic environment.

In addition, aspects of local geology and channel flow characteristics affecting both erosion and deposition in the existing habitats will also be assessed.

In the coming months, members of the public will be invited to provide feedback on the proposed plans when the Ministry hosts a series of public forums to expand on the project. A public meeting to present initial findings is planned for early autumn.

Assisting the joint venture partnership will be the Halcrow Group, Dissing and Weitling, Bourne Consulting, Golder and Associates, Bermuda Water Consultants and AAC Saatchi & Saatchi.