The Causeway, Bermuda
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (April 2021) |
The Causeway is a narrow strip of
The need for such a roadway was long-known to Bermuda's authorities. In the early 19th century, a committee was established to investigate possible plans. It would not be until 1867 that a valid plan, that by Lt.
Built by the Royal Engineers, Hime's Causeway was opened to traffic on 19 September 1871 by
Until
Beginning in the late 1940s after World War II, the Bermuda Government allowed civilian use of motor vehicles, and the causeway became an essential part of Bermuda's transport infrastructure for the average citizen.
Throughout its existence, the causeway has repeatedly suffered from damage due to hurricanes. On 1 September 1880, the causeway was wrecked by "the great storm". It was rebuilt following the original design, which stood until 14 September 1899, when three-fourths of a mile of the bridge was ravaged by another powerful hurricane. Afterwards, the causeway was rebuilt of stone block. Nearly a century later, in 1995, Hurricane Felix caused notable damage. On 5 September 2003, Hurricane Fabian dealt critical damage, including the loss of four lives.
Following the damage inflicted by Hurricane Fabian, the Bermuda Government began investigating alternatives to repairing the causeway after each storm knocked it out. These alternatives include an underwater tunnel, a true bridge, and constructing additional roadways, such as through Coney Island and Ferry Reach parks. Public meetings on these plans began in October 2006.
By February 2010, however, plans to replace the causeway had been abandoned. The issue was a touchy subject when raised in the Senate of Bermuda.[1]
External links
References
- ^ Interviews with Government and Opposition Senators, VSB News, February 17, 2010