Longbird Bridge, almost two years and $1.8 million dollars after repairs began.

Since September, 1990, temporary Bailey bridges have been in use, rattling as traffic passed over and annoying residents. Meanwhile, charter boat operators have found their businesses hit, with no swing bridge to allow them passage.

The bridge opened to road traffic at the weekend, and the channel is expected to be clear by tomorrow evening, once piles from the Bailey bridges are removed. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for next week.

"We're jumping up and down for joy,'' said Mr. Paul Wakefield, owner of Sundeck Too , a charter boat which operates mainly out of the Grotto Bay Hotel.

"It will make such a big, big difference because I do a lot of snorkelling cruises going to the South Shore, and instead of going through the bridge we have had to go to St. George's, round St. David's and back down.

"It's cost us the fuel, together with the hours in trucking time.'' East End resident Mr. Brian Hollis was also pleased to see the end of the Bailey bridges. "The first thing I noticed was the quietness as I went over it,'' he said. "I'm glad they have finally got it open -- the other thing was just an irritating nuisance. It's nice to have the peace back, especially with the summer here, but it's been a long time in the coming.'' The bridge was fixed by US Navy engineers as part of a maintenance deal dating back to 1947. The repairs are intended to make it last another 10 years.

But Mr. Wakefield is sceptical. "I just hope the $1.8 million has been shrewdly spent,'' he said. "We're not counting our chickens before they hatch.

"I'm ecstatic, but I'm only ecstatic as long as it functions correctly.'' BRIDGEWORK - Sgt. James Burch (left) and Pte. McCal Roberts of the Bermuda Regiment set about dismantling the temporary Bailey bridges now Longbird Bridge is open.