Contractor appointed to carry out improvement works at Poole Bridge

Borough of Poole has appointed a contractor to carry out significant improvement works at Poole Bridge, as part of the major investment in Poole’s infrastructure by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has been awarded the contract for extensive repairs and improvements to Poole Bridge, which will contribute to improved access to the Port of Poole and town centre and boost economic growth.

Poole Bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, from Monday 12 September 2016 for a nine month period enabling the contractor to replace the bridge’s approach spans and associated supporting piles and abutments which are worn out. These are the parts of the bridge that carry traffic from the land to the main section of the bridge (the green copper towers which are over 85 years old).

The works also include the replacement of the lift motors and the entire control system, as well as replacing the traffic barriers and lighting systems. Wider footways will be provided to the lifting span and the footways have been designed for shared use for cyclists.

Julian McLaughlin, Head of Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, said: “We are fully committed to ensuring Poole continues to benefit from a two-bridge system to safeguard the future economic growth and employment opportunities in Hamworthy.

 “We are pleased that Interserve have been awarded this contract and are confident that they will deliver the works to the highest standard and to time.” Cllr Drew Mellor, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Borough of Poole, said: “These improvements are part of a much wider co-ordinated programme that will see the A31 to the Port of Poole benefit from significant investment over the next few years.”