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11 Sep 08Major Milestone Reached In Canford Bridge Project
Work to repair Canford Bridge continues to progress as scheduled, as a major milestone in the project is reached.
Twenty lorry loads of concrete were used to form the new road deck on September 10 completing the last major operation on the flood arches.
The Grade 2 listed structure closed to traffic in June to allow essential repairs to the historic structure and is due to reopen on October 24 with single way traffic signals.
A major part of the renovation project to strengthen the main bridge and flood arches involved removing the road surface, raising the top level of the piers and constructing new road deck slabs.
Other works completed so far include removal of the old footbridge, construction of new abutments and foundations for the replacement footbridge/cycle bridge and extensive masonry repairs to the food arches.
John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "We are extremely pleased with the progress being made on the bridge so far and that key milestones such as this are being met on schedule. This is largely due to the hard work of the contractor and the project team working with them to keep disruption for the public to a minimum."
The joint engineering project between Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council 
to renovate the bridge started on site at the end of March and will be completed over the winter.
Without essential maintenance, the bridge and flood arches would continue to deteriorate, leading to weight restrictions and eventual closure within a few years.
Inspections in recent years revealed a high rate of structural deterioration due to several factors, including weathering of the original stonework, increased traffic volumes, and water damage. A cantilevered footway, built on to the bridge during the 1960s, had also deteriorated and is being replaced as part of the project.
For further information, visit the Canford Bridge section or email: canfordbridge@poole.gov.uk
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