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Causeway project ‘not on the back burner’ — Govt

The Causeway was severely damaged by Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

Government insists that plans to replace the Causeway with a new structure have not been shelved.Speculation about the safety of the Causeway arose in 2003 when four people died crossing the ageing roadway during Hurricane Fabian.In 2009 the former Progressive Labour Party administration said it was pushing ahead with a new design for a link-up with the east end, and estimated that a new span could cost $90 million and take three years to build.But the new One Bermuda Alliance Government has been silent on any developments since it came into office in December and instead highlighted the need for improvements to the existing road.In February, Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz said that a review of the Causeway was essential in case of a direct hit by a hurricane.Government also failed to show any firm commitment to a new design last week, the tenth anniversary of Fabian.Responding to claims by the brother of one of the four victims that it was an insult that the Causeway had still not been replaced, a spokesman said: “A concept design has been developed for the Causeway but approval, funding, and detailed design will be required before construction can commence.”When asked by The Royal Gazette if this meant that the plan had been put to one side, a spokesman last night replied: “The Ministry of Public Works has set aside $2 million for this fiscal year as a contingency. The plan has not been placed on the back burner.“The Ministry is still analysing scheme designs for the Causeway. Geotechnical work will also be undertaken in due course. When there is something substantial to report, the public will be apprised.”