for the second time in two months.

The swing bridge, at the end of the Causeway, developed a mechanical fault which prevented it from closing.

Engineers from the public works department at the US Navy Air Station were alerted at around 2.30 p.m.

Although road traffic was allowed back on after about half an hour, boat owners could not get through the whole day.

Today engineers will continue trying to find the cause of the problem.

Last night Lt. Curt Frye, resident officer in the charge of construction at the USNAS, said two theories were being explored.

Part of the bridge may have settled, leaving the structure slightly askew, he suggested. "This could happen naturally as the bridge ages.'' Another possibility is that the summer heat caused the metal to expand, and affected the locking mechanism.

"The bridge can open, we just have difficulty closing it,'' said Lt. Frye.

He added the bridge was likely to be closed to marine traffic throughout today, as engineers continue their work.

In June the bridge also broke down, less than 24 hours after a $1.8 million repair job. The problem was blamed on an electrical fault.

NO WAY THROUGH -- Boat owner Mr. Sam Outerbridge and his crew show their frustration over yesterday's break-down of Longbird Bridge.