Two new bridges to be built in the East End will be “icons that Bermudians will be proud of”, a civil engineer told a meeting in St George's last night.

Ricardo Graham-Ward, the bridge specialist who presented the blueprints for the replacement crossings for Longbird Bridge and the Swing Bridge, said: “This is a great opportunity to create an identity and will be a lasting memory — when people leave they will want to come back.”

Mr Graham-Ward told the meeting at Penno's Wharf that the “tried and tested” designs would make sure that both crossings will be durable and reliable, even in hurricane conditions.

The Swing Bridge will include a public walkway.

Mr Graham-Ward said the Longbird Bridge would feature a “gateway to paradise” archway.

Construction on the crossings is expected to begin next summer and take two years to complete.

The public were encouraged to offer input or voice concerns about the plans by contacting the Ministry of Public Works.