Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the listening public with an update on the Swing Bridge Replacement Project.
As this project moves forward, more people are understandably taking an interest in what is being proposed, what work is taking place now, and what they can expect over the coming months. I will therefore begin by reminding the public what we are building, and why.
The new Swing Bridge will replace the existing 120-metre bridge, which has served Bermuda for over 60 years but has now reached the end of its useful life.
For those traveling by road, it will provide a modern and reliable connection for motorists, pedestrians, buses and emergency vehicles.
For those traveling on the water, it will restore an important feature of the original Swing Bridge: the ability to open. A section of the bridge will be able to rise, restoring a protected and more efficient route through Ferry Reach for larger vessels, including ferries, fishing and research vessels, as well as vessels operated by tour operators.
Mr. Speaker, the new bridge has also been designed with Bermuda’s environment in mind. It will use materials better able to withstand our marine conditions and severe weather. It will also have wider traffic lanes, dedicated space for pedestrians and improved road alignment, creating a safer and more efficient crossing for all users.
We have also learned from the experience of the old Swing Bridge. Many Bermudians, particularly those living in St. George’s, will remember when mechanical problems made closing the bridge difficult, and therefore will be pleased to know that the new bridge will operate differently.
It will use a modern hydraulic system to raise and lower the bridge. This system will include emergency valves that can be released if there is a problem with normal operation.
In simple terms, this gives us another way of lowering the bridge should a problem occur. That is important because our priority is not simply to build a bridge that can open, but one that can operate safely and reliably.
Mr. Speaker, another major priority is maintaining access to the East End while construction takes place.
For this reason, the current bridge will remain in use while the new one is being constructed, reducing disruption for residents, businesses, emergency services and the travelling public.
Mr. Speaker, only once the replacement bridge is completed, fully operational and open to traffic will we begin the process of decommissioning the existing bridge.
This approach will help ensure that access to the East End is maintained throughout the project.
To make this possible, the Ministry identified a small parcel of land at Stokes Point as the most suitable landing point for the new bridge.
The Ministry has reached an agreement in principle with the existing landowner to purchase the land required for the project, and the remaining administrative work is now being completed.
Mr. Speaker, while that process continues, work on the ground is already well underway. Roadworks have begun and temporary traffic changes have been introduced.
A smaller roundabout is currently being constructed near the existing Swing Bridge. Once completed, it will replace the larger roundabout and free up the space needed for construction of the new bridge.
Traffic entering St. David’s is currently using a one-way route along St. David’s Road, while motorists leaving St. David’s are travelling along Southside Road through Kindley Field Park.
A new bus lay-by has also been constructed across from the Double Dip Restaurant and will come into use once the new roundabout and associated traffic changes are completed.
We expect all of these traffic adjustments to be completed during October of this year, weather permitting.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge concerns raised by nearby residents regarding the level of lighting along Southside Road through Kindley Field, particularly now that more motorists are using this route.
The Ministry is aware of these concerns and is working to address them.
However, because this road is close to the airport, there are additional considerations that must be taken into account before the appropriate lighting solution can be installed. We are working through those issues and will provide further information once that work has been completed.
Mr. Speaker, some may reasonably ask why we are carrying out the roadworks now when construction of the bridge itself has not yet started.
The answer is simple. We want the site ready before the bridge contractor arrives.
Our intention is to complete as much of this preparatory work as possible now so that, once the successful contractor is mobilised, they have a safe and workable site and can begin construction without unnecessary delay.
We do not want preliminary work that Government can complete beforehand to become a reason for delaying the start of construction.
Mr. Speaker, several procurement processes have also been undertaken.
One sought a contractor to refurbish the former Bridge Operator’s Hut, another sought an engineering firm to provide independent oversight of the project, and perhaps most importantly, Government invited experienced contractors to bid for construction of the new bridge.
Mr. Speaker, given the specialised nature of this project, we expected international interest and therefore actively encouraged overseas companies to partner with Bermudian businesses wherever possible.
This will create opportunities for local companies and workers while also allowing Bermudians to gain skills and experience from a major infrastructure project.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that all of these procurement opportunities have now closed and the Ministry is currently evaluating the submissions received.
Once the procurement process has been completed and all necessary contracts are in place, we will be in a position to provide an update on the bridge construction schedule.
Mr. Speaker, I understand this is a significant undertaking, and there will undoubtedly be some inconvenience along the way. However, we will continue working to minimise disruption and keep the public informed as the project progresses.
Mr. Speaker, the Swing Bridge Replacement Project is ultimately about improving our infrastructure, and ensuring safe and reliable access to the East End for generations to come.
The public can continue to follow the project through the official Swing Bridge Instagram account, @swingbridgebda, and through the Government’s social media channels, where we will provide updates on construction, traffic changes and important project milestones.
I look forward to providing further updates to this Honourable House as the project progresses.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
