THE countdown is on for the re-opening of Poole’s troubled bridge as this month it is finally set to be operating again.

The council recently confirmed a new re-opening date of Friday, December 15, following yet another delay to the works by contractors Interserve.

It marked the fifth setback to the project and was caused by a delay in the delivery of some new parts, including timber walkways, which were manufactured in a factory in the Czech Republic.

The Daily Echo visited the bridge recently and took video footage of the contractors on site.

In the last few weeks of the refurbishment, contractors are carrying out work to install the totems, which house the traffic lights and barriers, and timber panels for the walkways and completing a full commissioning of all the operating systems.

The 90-year-old crossing was closed for a £4.7m renovation back in September 2016.

When the crossing closed to the public, borough engineers said the project would be completed, nine months later, in June 2017. News of the most recent delay came just two days after an open day was held at the bridge, which offered members of the public the chance to see the progress so far and ask about the works.

Julian McLaughlin, head of growth and infrastructure, Borough of Poole, said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while work on the bridge has continued. The delay over recent months has been unavoidable, and the contractor has had to overcome several unforeseen and challenging issues. While some minor work will continue into January it will have minimal impact on local residents.”

He added: “The improvements to Poole Bridge, coupled with the major resurfacing work on Blandford Road, will provide a better journey for those travelling to and from Hamworthy and especially those who wish to walk and cycle to and from the town centre.”

The temporary bus service arrangements for Lower Hamworthy have been extended until the bridge re-opens.

The works form part of the significant investment in Poole’s infrastructure by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which aims to improve access into and around the Port of Poole.