yesterday after Public Works managed to temporarily close a slight gap.

However, the bridge will be closed to marine traffic for at least a week, Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira said yesterday.

The bridge broke down just before rush hour traffic on Thursday afternoon due to mechanical failure, causing a traffic jam extending past BAS on Kindley Field Road.

Dr. Terceira said Public Works employees were told to work overtime and weekends to get the bridge fixed by May 24, when a mass of boaters will be making their way to St. George's Harbour for the start of fitted dinghy racing.

St. George's North MP Mr. Phillip Smith said the breakdown highlighted how "urgent'' it was to allow St. George's firefighters to fight fires everywhere in the area, and not just inside town boundaries. He said he hopes Government sees the urgency and "stops dragging its feet on the issue''.

The Bermuda Fire Service does not believe the St. George's volunteers are adequately trained to fight fires outside of the town.

Explaining the breakdown, Dr. Terceira said, "A part of the chain mechanism that swings the bridge gave way. It was a very unusual break.'' Dr. Terceira said the broken part was not stocked and could not be sent away for. "It is being specially made here,'' he said.

"We are pulling out all the stops to have the bridge repaired by May 24,'' he said. "I believe it is possible.''