Vegetation being planted across the old Longbird Bridge isn't a signal that the temporary bridge which replaced it will become a permanent fixture, Government has said. And there are still plans to replace the 135-year-old Causeway which was breached with the loss of four lives in Hurricane Fabian – however no promises have been made over the timeline.

Robert Horton, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works and Engineering, said the palm trees and other vegetation had been planted at the entrance to the old Longbird Bridge in order to provide a more attractive panorama for residents and visitors as they leave the airport.

Mr. Horton said: "There are no plans to replace Longbird Bridge, with the result that the temporary bridges completed in July 2007, will remain in place until the Causeway has been replaced."

He said a draft final feasibility study for a new crossing has been completed and is under review by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

Additionally an environmental impact assessment is scheduled to be completed in the spring. Mr. Horton added: "The public will be fully apprised as work progresses towards the construction of a replacement structure for the Causeway."

In April, Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said Canadian firm Golder Associates Limited had been given just over $300,000 for the study which would initially use ground radar surveys to find subterranean caves while minimising the environmental impact of works.

Public meetings were held in October 2006 to give people a say in what kind of structure should be used to connect Blue Hole Hill with the airport.

The public expressed strong support for a fixed structure rather than one which could open and close to allow the flow of marine traffic.

Opposition leader Kim Swan said he was concerned about the bridge. He said: "The causeway is our main artery to Bermuda – long term we cannot rely on the temporary structure indefinitely nor can we allow ourselves to be put in a vulnerable state.

"The recent landscaping gives the impression that the current structure is destined to be more permanent than hoped. I plan to ask formal Parliamentary questions on the future of bridge – unless Government is more forthcoming with its plans in the meantime."