Creaking noises force six-month bridge closure

Twin Sails Bridge will reopen on 2 February after abnormal creaking noises forced engineers to shut down the vital Dorset crossing for six months of emergency repairs.

Twin Sails Bridge will reopen to traffic on 2 February following a six-month closure. The lifting bridge, which connects Poole with Hamworthy in Dorset, has been out of action since August.

Engineers discovered abnormal creaking noises during routine inspections. The unusual sounds prompted an immediate closure for safety reasons. Authorities ordered comprehensive repairs to address the underlying mechanical issues.

The closure lasted longer than initially planned. Manufacturing delays pushed the reopening date beyond the original December target. Consequently, residents and commuters faced extended disruption to their daily routes.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) confirmed the reopening timeline. Between 28 January and 1 February, crews will complete remaining repair works. During this period, the bridge will stay in the lowered position.

The bridge must pass final testing before resuming operations. Engineers will conduct adequate test lifts to verify the repairs. Subject to successful completion, normal traffic flow will resume on 2 February.

This marks the second major closure in less than a year. In May 2024, the bridge remained shut for nearly three months after another fault emerged during scheduled checks. These recurring problems highlight ongoing reliability issues.

BCP councillors approved £6 million in funding to address the persistent problems. The investment comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy. It will target improvements to both Twin Sails Bridge and Poole Bridge.

The funding focuses on upgrading the lifting mechanism. Additionally, it aims to tackle recurring reliability problems that have plagued both structures.