A final report on the proposed new Causeway will be submitted to the Ministry of Works and Engineering next month.

And Government is to consider a public-private partnership to finance the new bridge.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess gave MPs an update on the New Crossing Initiative in the House of Assembly on Friday.

"A new structure will not only be economically advantageous, but will also provide a safe and reliable crossing that will enhance the local environment, linking the local parks," he said.

The form and location of the New Crossing was ratified in 2008 by Cabinet following public consultation. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is currently under review.

Mr. Burgess said the EIA was "the most extensive ever undertaken in Bermuda" in terms of a marine asset.

His update to the House followed two recent closures of the Causeway due to winter storms.

Mr. Burgess said the closures had led to "a great deal of uninformed public discussion about the safety of the Causeway itself".

He stressed that before any re-opening, post-storm inspections are carried out to assess any damage.

However, he said the Ministry also had an ongoing inspection and maintenance programme, ensuring "constant vigilance".

"If problems are discovered, they are addressed immediately," he said.

Mr. Burgess said the next "detailed" inspection of the Causeway would take place in the spring.

"During that inspection process, every square yard of the Causeway, from Grotto Bay to Kindley Field Road, will be inspected both above and below water.

"Any maintenance or strengthening requirements identified during this period of inspection will be addressed immediately, with the ongoing structural integrity of the Causeway remaining of paramount importance to the Ministry of Works and Engineering specifically and to the Government generally."

Nevertheless, ongoing maintenance and repair costs are high and Government has concluded it would be more economical in the long run to invest in a new bridge.

Mr. Burgess said restrictions on capital expenditure have also resulted in a delay in procuring a construction contract.

"In the circumstances, all efforts are being made to minimise the impact of the restrictions by progressing low capital cost activities associated with the project," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is advancing the legal processes of land acquisition with land owners. It is also procuring a contract for the detailed investigation of the ground conditions, necessary prior to any final design.

"The people of Bermuda may be assured that the Government remains committed to the construction of a replacement structure for the Causeway in the long term.

"The Government recognises the benefits of having in place a structure that will not only guarantee safe crossing of the waters of Castle Harbour, but also one that greatly alleviate, if not eradicate altogether, the challenges experienced by East End residents and other travellers to and from the East End during periods of high seas and very strong winds."