The bascule bridge was built in the 1920s and now stands alongside a second harbour crossing, the Twin Sails Bridge, which opened in 2012.

Borough of Poole has appointed Interserve to carry out the US$5.5m full structural upgrade on Poole Bridge, which will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, from 12 September. Interserve will replace the bridge’s approach spans and associated piles and abutments, which are worn out.

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

Borough of Poole head of transportation services Julian McLaughlin 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."