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News

EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN HAMWORTHY

The Borough of Poole has been working to ease congestion in Hamworthy caused by the closure of Poole Bridge.

Since repair work began on 13 March, traffic during peak periods has more than doubled around some areas of Hamworthy and Upton. To help ease congestion, traffic signals at the junction of Turlin Moor and Blandford Road have been adjusted to cope with the increased traffic and allow maximum traffic flow.

In addition:
· work to refurbish the bridge is taking place 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
· over 40 signs across Poole and major roads leading to the town advise of the closure and re-direct traffic
· extra weekday Bus services from Poole Bus Station to the Potters Arms have been negotiated by the Borough of Poole with Wilts and Dorset.
· local traders have been advised to arrange deliveries outside peak times where possible
· a new timetable for Poole’s free half hour ferry service from Ferry Road, Hamworthy to Custom House Steps has been developed

Annual bridge maintenance due last October was deferred to minimise disruption
and allow for new gear components to be made. A specialist contractor has begun work to replace the main gears and racks which support the lifting leaves of the bridge for the first time since it was built in 1927.

John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "The refurbishment work is really complex and many of the pieces have been specially made due to the rare and individual nature of the bridge. Currently the work is going well and should be completed in time for the bridge to re-open on 9 April 2000".

Cllr Bob Williams, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "In planning for the closure we have tried to ensure that everything possible to ease the situation has been done in order to limit disruption for local people. With ever increasing traffic on our roads it is inevitable that there will be problems but these can be eased by local people. Being Travel Wise, either car sharing or using other transport such as the bus or train can help but if you do need to drive, allow extra time for journeys or try to travel outside peak times".

-m/f-


23 March 2000

EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN HAMWORTHY: Continued

He added: "Even with all these measures in place we do recognise the disruption experienced by people who live and work in Hamworthy and our ultimate aim is to ensure Poole gets the new crossing we so desperately need. Only with a new bridge can we relieve the traffic problems around Hamworthy and to allow quality investment to be attracted to this part of Poole which will bring in jobs and prosperity for local people".

-ends-

Editor’s Notes:
Additional Bus journeys now operating Monday to Friday, to and from lower Hamworthy are as follows:
Depart Poole Bus Station to the Potters Arms at 09.50 and 13.50
Return journeys from the Potters Arms to Poole Bus Station at 10.15 and 14.15.

Poole Bridge Closure Passenger Ferry Timetable:
Departures from Custom House Steps, Poole
First ferry at 05.45 am and then every 30 minutes at quarter past and quarter to the hour until 22.45

Departures from Ferry Road, Hamworthy
First ferry 06.00 am and then every 30 minutes on the hour and half past the hour until the last ferry at 23.00

LAST FERRY TIME:
When the 23.00 departure from Hamworthy arrives at Custom House Steps, the ferry will depart IMMEDIATELY to make one further return journey to Hamworthy. This should be considered as a 23.00 departure.

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