It has been a long-time coming, but work on the Bailey bridge in Marystown starts tomorrow.

People from the Burin Peninsula have been taking the arduous – and costly – scenic route for basic access for the past few years after the permanent bridge linking the north and south sections of the town was all but shut down because of safety issues.

Marystown Mayor Brian Keating says the schedule for the opening of the temporary bridge remains August 10th, despite the delays in the start date for construction.

He commends the provincial government for making things happen in this regard, and says he has been assured that, no matter how things unfold after the Bailey bridge opens, a new permanent Canning Bridge will happen.

He says it has been difficult for people who work in some of the lower-paying jobs to have to live on the south side, and for seniors and for many others.

“It’s going to be such a relief for so many people and organizations.”