Work on Somerset Bridge is set to be done by the middle of the month, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works.

Repairs on the north side have been finished and work on the south side of the smallest drawbridge in the world was expected to start today.

The spokeswoman said: “The north side of Somerset Bridge is now completed. The new 2x6 has been positioned so as to allow air circulation in order to extend the life of the newly-installed beams.

“Work on the south side of Somerset Bridge should start on Monday and be completed by mid-March.”

Crews began repairs on the bridge, which dates back to 1620, in October after safety issues were identified on the walkway with the top surfaces of the beams in a bad condition.

However, it was discovered that the bridge was “in far worse condition than was originally suspected” and the decision was made to change all the beams and components of the pedestrian bridge.

While the spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette in January that the work was to be completed by the end of February, she did not respond to questions about what had caused the delay.

The spokeswoman added that works on the Swing Bridge in St George’s are progressing, “with the new floor beams having been installed recently on the swing span”.

She said that work on the approach span was expected to start on Friday last week.