For most people, repair work on Longbird Bridge has brought nothing but frustration as lengthy tailbacks have turned the journey to and from work into a nightmare.

But for Jim Amos, it brings back happy memories of 35 years ago, when he helped put up a replacement structure in double quick time to ease traffic snarl-ups while similar maintenance work took place.

Mr. Amos, a 70-year-old former Bacardi International executive, was part of the Volunteer Reserve of the Bermuda Regiment which constructed the temporary Bailey Bridge on the Causeway in 1972.

And as far as he's concerned, today's bridge problems underline how some things never seem to change.

"That bridge has had a long, long-term problem," said Mr. Amos. "It's had mechanical problems that have kept coming back."

Old reports explain how 30 members of the Volunteer Reserve unit took just two days to complete the bridge-building task which had been expected to take much longer.

Mr. Amos believes their efforts serve as a reminder of the kind of important role the Regiment can play in Bermuda.

"It was our community service," said Mr. Amos. "It really showed the usefulness of Bermuda Regiment for anything. There are a number of things the Regiment have and can attribute to the community. It's a very valuable instrument.

"At the time, it was also important as a means of bringing Bermuda together, blacks and whites. We knew the other groups, but we had never worked together. It was good life experience."

In October, 1972, Major Brendan Hollis was reported as saying: "The Royal Engineers judged it would take 60 men five days to complete the bridge; we have done it with 30 men in two days."

Lt. Col. Michael Darling, commanding officer of the Bermuda Regiment at the time, said: "The enthusiasm of these men was really terrific. They were none of them youngsters, but they proved their worth today."

Longbird Bridge was constructed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Over the years, rust has reportedly caused some structural sections to lose up to 75 percent of their steel, while multiple deficiencies have developed in the electrical system used to operate the bridge.

Since one lane closed in May, long queues have tested the patience of motorists.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering says 2007's replacement bridge will ease traffic while a five-year programme of maintenance work is carried out.