The Government of Bermuda has gone to tender for construction of a state-of-the-art bascule (lift) bridge to replace its nearly 60-year-old Swing Bridge. The project is estimated at roughly $50–60 million, with construction targeted to begin in late 2026. Where it is The Swing Bridge spans Ferry Reach in St George's Parish, eastern Bermuda, linking St George's Island and St David's Island. Sitting on the route between L.F. Wade International Airport and the historic town of St George's, it is a critical link for vehicles, pedestrians, and the passenger ferry moving across the archipelago. Why it's being replaced The current Swing Bridge was installed in 1964. Despite major rehabilitation in 2002 and 2007, it is now deemed "beyond economic repair." Crucially, its opening mechanism has not worked since 2015, constraining both navigation and traffic. What the new bridge looks like The replacement is a hydraulically operated bascule lift bridge, superseding the old swing typology, designed by a consortium of Ramboll, Knight Architects, and Eadon Consulting. Key features:
A 25 m vertical bascule leaf reopens the sheltered navigation passage through Ferry Reach, providing weather-resilient connectivity. A ~22 m clear channel improves shipping access to St George's harbour. A distinctive shell-shaped, curved-soffit lifting structure in Bermuda's signature colour palette, referencing local identity. A wider, safer cross-section with dedicated pedestrian access and improved vertical alignment. An overall multi-span structure with a central bascule lifting section. Cost and timeline The bill is estimated at $50–60 million, with $9.4 million allocated in the 2026–27 budget (a total authorised figure of about $70 million covers related refurbishments, including the nearby Longbird Bridge). Construction is expected to take up to three years. Tender status Bermuda published a construction Request for Proposals (RFP 44-28-75-04-N) seeking qualified, experienced contractors. Proposals opened in late March 2026, and the project moved firmly into its tender phase in April. How it got here Replacement plans have been ongoing since 2016. Designs unveiled in 2018 were shelved for economic reasons, and a land dispute with the Bermuda National Trust halted a planning application in 2023. After the government and the charity reached a tentative land-transfer agreement, the project was effectively given the green light in September 2025.
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