Created: Feb 25, 2020 07:00 AM (Updated: Feb 25, 2020 07:10 AM)
End of the line: work continues on the removal of the old Longbird Bridge at the eastern end of The Causeway, which links St David’s Island to The Main. Longbird Bridge, a 190 foot, [60-metre] twin-carriageway bridge at the eastern end of the Causeway. Built in the 1950s. it was closed to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges installed adjacent to it to allow motorists to bypass it (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
The lifeline of Longbird Bridge, at the eastern end of the Causeway linking St George’s and the airport to The Main, is finally on its way out.
The twin-carriageway bridge has gradually succumbed to the elements — and was shut to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges built alongside it.
Longbird Bridge was constructed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and maintained by the US Navy from its takeover of the US military base in 1970 until 1998, when it was turned over to Bermuda.
It was originally a moveable bridge to allow high vessels through, but has been degraded by salt-water corrosion and storms.
The structure received a little extra time in 2001, with an electrical and mechanical upgrade, but is now at the end of its life.
The passage is closed to marine traffic until the removal is completed in April.
End of the line: work continues on the removal of the old Longbird Bridge at the eastern end of The Causeway, which links St David’s Island to The Main. Longbird Bridge, a 190 foot, [60-metre] twin-carriageway bridge at the eastern end of the Causeway. Built in the 1950s. it was closed to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges installed adjacent to it to allow motorists to bypass it (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
End of the line: work continues on the removal of the old Longbird Bridge at the eastern end of The Causeway, which links St David’s Island to The Main. Longbird Bridge, a 190 foot, [60-metre] twin-carriageway bridge at the eastern end of the Causeway. Built in the 1950s. it was closed to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges installed adjacent to it to allow motorists to bypass it (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
End of the line: work continues on the removal of the old Longbird Bridge at the eastern end of The Causeway, which links St David’s Island to The Main. Longbird Bridge, a 190 foot, [60-metre] twin-carriageway bridge at the eastern end of the Causeway. Built in the 1950s. it was closed to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges installed adjacent to it to allow motorists to bypass it (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
End of the line: work continues on the removal of the old Longbird Bridge at the eastern end of The Causeway, which links St David’s Island to The Main. Longbird Bridge, a 190 foot, [60-metre] twin-carriageway bridge at the eastern end of the Causeway. Built in the 1950s. it was closed to traffic 12 years ago, with twin Bailey bridges installed adjacent to it to allow motorists to bypass it (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Vital link: Lonbird Bridge, connecting St David's Island to The Causeway and The Main, or the main island, is shown in this file photograph
