Work on new bridges in the East End is under way, the public works minister has said.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch told the House that public presentations on the new Longbird and Swing bridges would be made soon.

He told MPs last Friday: “Plans are being finalised for public presentation of the new designs and the launch of a campaign for members of the public to suggest names for the new bridges.”

Colonel Burch added that the ministry had bought a drone to help conduct inspections of bridges and wharves across the island.

He said this would save at least 600 hours of engineers’ time.

Colonel Burch added: “It was most recently used to inspect the foreshore by Tobacco Bay and revealed the need for emergency repair works.”

The Government earlier announced that British firm Ramboll will be paid $400,000 to design the replacements for Longbird Bridge and Swing Bridge, which are both expected to reach the end of their useful life in 2021.

Swing Bridge, linking St David’s to St George’s, was built in the 1960s and has fallen into disrepair in recent years. The bridge no longer opens for passing boats.

Longbird Bridge, a 60-metre twin-carriageway bridge at the east end of the Causeway, was built in the 1950s. It closed to traffic ten years ago when it was bypassed with twin Bailey bridges.

Colonel Burch also said work to refurbish Kings Wharf in Dockyard was also planned and that tenders would be issued next week.

He said: “The project is on schedule and is designed to rectify some minor deficiencies as well as upgrade the dock to accommodate the next class of cruise ships.”

The temporary building used by Artemis Racing during the America’s Cup has been moved to the Government Quarry, where it was used to create two new buildings.

One building has been used for stores and the other for a mechanical shop.

Colonel Burch added that the ministry had also repaired demolished walls and rock cuts, along with the Devonshire Dock fishermen’s platform and Custom Wharf in St George’s.