A bridge built by US troops more than 50 years ago which connects the main Island to St. George’s will close to marine traffic until further notice from tomorrow.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering said yesterday that Longbird Bridge - the moving span at the eastern end of the Causeway - was at risk of damage if it continued to operate on a daily basis, despite structural maintenance in 2001.

A spokesman said: “This work was successful. However, due to the age of the bridge and the corrosive environment some of the original elements of the bridge are now a cause for concern for the Government’s bridge engineers.”

Government is looking into strengthening the bridge for the immediate future and a potential new crossing over Castle Harbour. Plans for that can be viewed at www.newcrossing.gov.bm. Small boats which can sail under Longbird Bridge will be unaffected by the decision to permanently close it.

Yachts and other larger vessels will now have to get to Castle Harbour by going along Ferry Reach, through Town Cut and around St. David’s.