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News

POOLE BRIDGE CLOSES FOR REFURBISHMENT

Poole Bridge is due to receive it’s annual face lift when works begin on 13 March 2000.

In order for work to take place, the bridge will be closed to all road traffic and pedestrians between 13 March-9 April 2000. During the majority of the work, one leaf of the bridge will be raised in order to keep disruption to marine traffic to a minimum.

In addition to annual repair works, a specialist contractor will begin replacing the main gears and racks which support the lifting leaves of the bridge for the first time since the bridge was built in 1927.

John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "Lifting bridges are quite rare in Britain and each one is designed for a specific purpose. Poole’s bridge lifts over 6,000 times a year and has been working hard for over 70 years. Because of the high quality of the bridge’s original design, it’s main gears have not needed replacement until now, despite continuous exposure to the elements".

Annual bridge maintenance due last October was deferred to minimise disruption to the public and allow for the new gear components to be manufactured.

Cllr Bob Williams, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "Council staff and the contractor will be working 24 hours per day, seven days a week so that we can re-open the bridge as soon as possible and limit disruption for local people. By doing this work and investing in the bridge now we will ensure this vital link to in the heart of the town will continue to operate well into the new millennium".

During the closure a free ferry for pedestrians and cyclists will be operating between the Custom House steps on Poole Quay and Ferry Road in Hamworthy and will run every day from 6.00am to 11.00pm.

Wilts and Dorset Bus Company will be operating a revised timetable during the closure but unlike previous years there will be no direct links with the ferry service.

-ends-

John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 262111