A MAJOR Poole Bridge has closed until the end of the weekend after further inspection is needed.

The Twin Sails Bridge on West Quay Road has closed for inspection work.

In a social media post from Morebus, it reads: “Twin Sails Bridge closed by BCP until 9.30pm on Sunday 19 May 2024.

“The bridge will also be closed to pedestrians and cyclists.

“The closure of the bridge is due to further investigation following a routine inspection.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order was authorised today (May 17).

The bridge will be closed from 4.30pm on May 17 until May 19 at 9.30pm.

Rigler Road on the western side of the bridge remains open but can only be accessed from Blandford Road on the Hamworthy side

Diversions will be put in place southbound via West Street, Poole Lifting Bridge, Blandford Road northbound via Blandford Road, Poole Lifting Bridge, and West Quay Road.

A BCP Spokesperson said: "Following an irregularity found during a routine inspection of the lifting process of the Twin Sails Bridge, the decision has been taken to leave the bridge in an upright position this weekend.

"The road will be closed and the bridge raised after 5.30pm this evening. This precaution minimises the risk of an impact on marine traffic during the important RNLI celebrations taking place on Sunday.

"We plan to lower the bridge at 9.30 on Sunday evening, enabling the route to be open again to road traffic ahead of Monday morning's rush hour."