Access to the breakwater bridge at the mouth of Grand Harbour has been closed again after part of the decking came off, leaving a gaping hole in the 190 tonne structure, which has only been in place for seven years.

A fortnight ago, Times of Malta reported that the iron structure would undergo repairs, as well as getting a new illumination system.

Moreover, a Transport Malta spokesman had said that access to the bridge had been restored following the damage caused by a storm in October 2016.

Reacting to complaints that the bridge was being kept closed without any prior notice, the spokesman insisted it was being kept open except on days with inclement weather.

A few days ago, however, the Times of Malta was alerted by a reader that the bridge gate was locked again. It transpired that access had been closed for safety reasons, as part of the decking had come off, leaving a gaping hole in the structure.

“It would be great if the bridge had its own website for the public to verify if it is open or not, as it's quite a trek to venture down there,” the reader suggested.

Inaugurated in 2011, the single-span structure, stretching over a 70-metre gap, cost €2.8 million.

The new bridge replaced the original, two-arched structure destroyed by Italian E-boats in World War II.

Though the design specifications issued in the government tender stated the bridge was to last for 120 years, it has been dogged by structural frailties that necessitated several repairs.