15/12/2025
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Manufacturing delay ‘outside council control’ could mean Twin Sails Bridge is closed for longer.
Twin Sails Bridge, which connects Poole with Hamworthy, has been closed since August 26 after engineers inspecting the mechanism found ‘abnormal creaking’ noises.
In May last year, the bridge remained out of action for almost three months after another fault was identified during scheduled checks.
Earlier this year, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) councillors approved £6 million of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to deliver a long-term solution. The investment will focus on improving the lifting mechanism and addressing the recurring reliability problems that have disrupted journeys for residents and businesses.
In November the council said works would begin on December 15 and are “anticipated to take around a week, subject to safety testing,”
The work on the bridge is still scheduled to begin on December 15 but a recent council update suggests teams will be working to install the components before Christmas with the aim to open the bridge as soon as possible.
Glynn Barton, chief operations officer at BCP Council, said: “Work will begin on Twin Sails, as scheduled, on 15 December with the team installing key components before Christmas.
“There has been a delay, outside of the council’s control, relating to a key process in the manufacturing of the components from our supplier. This process must happen to ensure the components meet the required safety standards needed to be installed.
“Our team will work continue to work throughout December to ensure the bridge can return to use as soon as possible.
“We will keep residents updated on these repairs as we go.”
✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Amy Woodward
