Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “We’ll be completing the remaining works on Twin Sails Bridge between 28 January and 1 February. During this time, the bridge will remain in the lowered position. Subject to successful completion of the repairs and adequate test lifts, the bridge will be re-opened to traffic and return to normal operation on 2 February. We would like to thank residents for their continued patience while we carry out these essential repairs.”

Since its opening in April 2012, Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge has faced ongoing mechanical and operational difficulties that have caused repeated closures and disruption for both road and marine traffic. The bridge’s complex lifting mechanism, including hydraulic bearings and bespoke components, has been prone to faults, with major failures such as broken structural masts and damaged bearings requiring lengthy repairs. These issues have forced closures lasting weeks or even months, often diverting traffic over the older Poole Bridge and causing delays, congestion, and inconvenience for commuters and local businesses.

The unusual triangular bascule design, while visually striking, appears to place extra stress on mechanical components, compounding maintenance challenges. In response, the council has allocated significant funding to upgrade the lifting mechanism and improve long-term reliability, alongside better signage to inform users during closures, but the bridge’s reputation for unreliability has persisted for over a decade.