The mayor of Marystown says work on a permanent replacement for the Canning Bridge will begin as soon as a Bailey bridge is in place.

Work on the temporary bridge is set to begin in the fall and will be ready in time for next summer.

Mayor Brian Keating says government is finalizing the design for the new bridge.

Premier Andrew Furey has promised council that the work on a new, permanent bridge will begin as soon as the Bailey bridge is complete. Keating calls it a huge step forward for the town, as residents have been dealing with a lengthy detour since the bridge was deemed unsafe for travel last winter.