The Causeway, Bermuda facts for kids

The Causeway is a special road and a series of bridges in the north of Bermuda. It connects the main island, specifically Hamilton Parish, with St. David's Island in St. George's Parish. This is super important because St. David's Island is where the Bermuda International Airport is located! Without the Causeway, these two parts of Bermuda would be separated by a big body of water called Castle Harbour.

The Causeway isn't just a regular road; it's built on "reclaimed land." This means that parts of the land it sits on were created by filling in shallow areas of the sea with rocks and soil. It's a clever way to build a path where there was once only water!

Building the Causeway

The idea for the Causeway came about because people needed an easier way to travel between the main island and St. David's Island. Before the Causeway, getting across Castle Harbour was much harder.

Early Days and Challenges

The first version of the Causeway was opened way back in 1871. It was a huge project for its time! Imagine building a long road and bridges over water with the tools they had back then. It was a big step forward for Bermuda, making travel and trade much simpler.

However, building over water can be tricky, especially when storms hit. The original Causeway faced many challenges from hurricanes and strong winds over the years. These powerful storms sometimes damaged parts of the structure, making it difficult or even impossible to cross.

A Stronger Connection

Because the old Causeway was often damaged, a new, stronger one was built. This modern Causeway is designed to withstand tough weather conditions, ensuring that people can always get to and from the airport and between the islands safely. It's a vital link for everyone in Bermuda, from residents going to work or school to tourists arriving for their holidays.

Why the Causeway is Important

The Causeway is more than just a road; it's a lifeline for Bermuda.

Connecting Communities

It connects different parts of Bermuda, making it easier for people to live, work, and visit friends and family across the islands. Imagine if you had to take a boat every time you wanted to go to the airport or visit a friend on another island – the Causeway solves that problem!

Supporting Travel and Tourism

Since the airport is on St. David's Island, the Causeway is the main way for visitors to arrive in Bermuda. Tourism is a big part of Bermuda's economy, so having a reliable link from the airport to the rest of the island is super important for the country. It helps people get to their hotels and start their adventures quickly.

Everyday Life

For people who live in Bermuda, the Causeway is part of their daily routine. It helps transport goods, allows emergency services to move quickly, and generally makes life on the islands more connected and convenient. It's a great example of how engineering can solve big problems and help a community thrive.

Images for kids

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  Location of the Causeway

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  The causeway as it appeared in 1905