Designs for two new bridges are to be shown to the public.

The plans for Longbird and Swing Bridges in St George's will be unveiled at an event on Wednesday.

Government said the new bridges were designed to reflect Bermuda's unique and welcoming culture.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said last year that improvements to the Swing Bridge had extended its life span to 2021.

Colonel Burch added Longbird Bridge was condemned several years ago and a temporary Bailey bridge was installed in 2007.

But he said: “Accelerated corrosion on these bridges forced us to change deck plates earlier this year.

“In ordinary climate conditions, these plates should last 25 years, but in Bermuda they lasted only ten years.

“This bridge is safe, but its life span is similar to that of the Swing Bridge.”

The design unveiling is the third phase of a plan developed by the ministry.

Phase one studied the location of the bridges, the geography and the volume and flow of marine and road traffic.

It also provided options for each of the two crossings.

Phase two narrowed the options down to one for each bridge.

The final phase included detailed designs, plans and specifications, including estimated costs, and are ready to be put out to tender.