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20 Jun 08Canford Bridge Closure
Canford Bridge is set to close to traffic for 18 weeks to allow essential repairs to the historic structure.
Canford Main Bridge and Canford Flood Arches will be closed to all vehicles from Monday June 23. A diversion route will operate on the A31 west to Lake Gates and into Wimborne over Julian's Bridge.
People travelling in and around Wimborne are being advised to expect delays at peak times while the bridge is closed.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen on Friday October 24 with single way traffic signals in operation until the project is completed in December.
The Grade 2 listed structure is being renovated as part of a £3.2 million engineering project. Work started on site at the end of March, but a full road closure is required to allow essential bridge strengthening and repairs to the stonework.
Diversion signs, agreed with project partners Dorset County Council 
and the Highways Agency , will be placed at strategic locations on the approaches to the bridge for road users. Arrangements have also been made with bus operators to reschedule some local services. A pedestrian link will be maintained at all times during the road closure.
John Rice, Engineering Manager for Borough of Poole, said: "Work to repair Canford Bridge is well underway and progressing to schedule. A traffic control system has been in place since March, however we have no option but to close the bridge to traffic so the most crucial phase of repairs can now be carried out. We are working with our contractors to ensure that the bridge is reopened as quickly as possible and disruption is kept to a minimum.
"We appreciate that the bridge closure will cause delays and some inconvenience to drivers. As a precaution, we are advising motorists to allow extra time for journeys in and around Wimborne while the bridge is closed."
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 have 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, has also deteriorated and is being replaced as part of the project.
The main bridge opened in 1813 and links Poole and Wimborne, taking the B3073 Oakley Hill Road over the River Stour. Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council share responsibility for maintenance of the bridge.
The flood arches were built in the 17th century and are owned by Borough of Poole.
The contract for the project was awarded to Carillion Civil Engineering, who were able to demonstrate that their tender offered the best solution to achieve the required repairs with the minimum disruption to road users.
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