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News

POOLE BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT

Work on Poole’s lifting bridge is continuing round the clock to ensure the major refurbishment is completed on schedule by 9 April 2000.

Problems caused during the early stages of the project by the age of the bridge and specialist nature of the project have been resolved and work is due to be completed on time.

A specialist contractor is currently replacing the main gears and racks which support the lifting leaves of the bridge. All worn sections have now been removed from the bridge and fitters are concentrating on assembling the new components. To fit each major piece, every individual component has been transported to the bridge where its position has been marked and drilled.

Each of the main supporting tracks which carry the weight of the lifting leaves are now in place and work is underway on the bridge’s gears and shafts. The gear system section on the Hamworthy leaf is due to be completed by the middle of next week. Once in place, the Poole leaf will be lowered by a crane to allow the drive mechanism to be completed on the Poole side of the bridge.

John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "With any project this size, you expect to experience some difficulties and plan accordingly. Poole’s bridge is over 70 years old and this is the first time that the gear sections have been replaced. Whilst we did encounter some difficulties in the early stages of the project we have worked with the contractor to reschedule some operations and are confident the job will be finished on time".

Cllr Bob Williams, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "People living and working living and working in Hamworthy and boat operators working in the Harbour have shown great patience and understanding during the course of the works. I want to assure them that everyone involved will continue to work 24 hours per day, 7 days a week so that we can re-open the bridge as soon as possible and limit disruption for local people".

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John Rice, Engineering Manager, tel: (01202) 262111