Government sources revealed the work had cost the taxpayer a seven-figure sum after the official opening ceremony yesterday.

But the Minister in charge of the project, C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, promised the bridge would last for 100 years.

And he apologised for the project falling one month behind schedule, saying: "It has definitely been worth the wait!'' He said the bridge had cost $600,000 to rebuild since the project began in March.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars were also spent on building a temporary causeway to re-route traffic.

Now even more money will be spent on dismantling the causeway and building a park in the grounds of nearby St. James Church.

Sandys South MP Walter Lister, the Opposition Whip, said: "My constituents are worth every penny.'' He added: "I'm very satisfied with the final product. It means a lot to the parish and the rebuilding work was badly needed because of the deterioration of the bridge.

"Somerset Bridge is in the centre of my constituency and I think the people of Sandys South are worth every penny of the money spent on this project.

"But of course the people of Bermuda can't do without this bridge.'' The causeway will be torn up by contractors next Wednesday. The biggest boulders will be used for shoreline protection nearby.

Then parks officials will start work on creating a recreation area known as Somerset Bridge park.

The bridge itself, the smallest drawbridge in the world, had been due to open before Cup Match.

Bridge is re-opened Now it will be mounted with a plaque to mark its history, dating back to 1621.

Around a dozen local senior citizens, including Hannah Gibson who lives in the house closest to the bridge, were presented with limited edition prints of the new-look bridge yesterday.

Premier Pamela Gordon cut a red and blue ribbon during the official opening ceremony and poured water on the new road surface as traffic was re-routed along the causeway for the last time.

Archdeacon Arnold Hollis said a prayer to bless the bridge.

And Mr. Woolridge, thanking everybody involved in the rebuilding project, added: "We are dedicating a portion of Bermuda's history -- the smallest drawbridge in the world.

"We have restored it now for the next 100 years.'' A CUT ABOVE -- Premier Pamela Gordon opens the new-look Somerset Bridge, flanked by Cabinet Ministers C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, left, Jerome Dill and John Barritt, right.