Motorists will be glad to hear that the Causeway - the only link between the East End and the mainland - could be open without restrictions as early as next week.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Engineering Derrick Binns said repair and restoration work following the destruction of Hurricane Fabian was almost nearing completion, and the bridge could be open to two-lane traffic within a matter of days.

He said the department had set a very optimistic opening target for this coming Saturday, but said the wet weather of the last few days had pushed that back.

"Given the weather today and what's coming over the next few days, it's now not going to be the case," said Mr. Binns.

"It's hard to say when the Causeway will open because it changes daily, however, we are really at the very end stages and it should be only a matter of days. It's possible it will be ready for Monday or Tuesday next week, but, hopefully, it will definitely be one day next week."

Mr. Binns said the hope was to have the bridge back into full working order and open to traffic both day and night within days.

However, he said some building may continue for a week or so after, but he hoped construction work could be finished while the road remained open to two-lane traffic.

"Once it's open, there may still be some work going on," he added.

"There may be work to finish on the walls and there might be some traffic control for short periods, such as traffic lights and Stop Go signs, while it is completed.

"Everything is somewhat fluid right now, but when we do get to that point, we intend to have the night passage restrictions lifted."

Mr. Binns said once the Causeway was complete, Works and Engineering would then begin on other road works around the Island, including South Road in Smith's, near to John Smith's Bay, which was destroyed in the hurricane, but he was unable to say when that would be.

The bridge was largely washed away during Hurricane Fabian on September 5, and was the scene of four deaths as 120mph winds sent waves crashing across the road, washing both them and their vehicles into the ocean.

The body of P.c. Stephen Symonds was discovered two days later close to the oil docks on North Shore at Ferry Reach. However, the bodies of his colleagues P.c. Nicole O'Connor and Police station duty officer Gladys Saunders have so far not been found, along with the body of young father Manuel Pacheco.

The three Police workers were in a marked Police vehicle trying to make their way over the Causeway at about 2.15 p.m. as the hurricane force winds kicked in. Mr. Pacheco was believed to have been behind them in his own car.

It is thought sea surge stalled both engines of the cars, and damage to the Causeway and severe weather meant the four people were unable to get off the bridge. It is understood the two Police officers were taking Mrs. Saunders home to nearby Ducks Puddle Drive in Hamilton Parish after she had finished her shift when the tragedy happened.

P.c. Symonds was in communication with Police Com Ops after the car broke down until the weather led to a loss of contact. A rescue operation was mounted, which also led to four firefighters being washed into the water, but that had to be abandoned due to worsening conditions and night fall.

An investigation has been completed into the tragedy and handed to Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith and the Coroner has been informed for a full inquest to be held.