THE LATEST scheduled opening date for Poole Bridge was pushed back because of delays in the delivery of key traffic light and barrier system parts, Borough of Poole (BOP) has explained.

It had been due to open on Friday (Dec 15), but now the council says it is working to ensure the bridge reopens before Christmas Day.

Earlier this week the Echo reported how Poole Bridge’s official reopening – which is already six months over schedule – was pushed back for the sixth time.

Overall work on the finishing touches of the bridge renovation have been held up because of delays in delivering the totems, designed to house the traffic lights and barriers.

In addition the contractor, Interserve, is still behind schedule in installing the vehicle and pedestrian gates and all safety features still need to be tested, the council says.

BOP head of growth and infrastructure Julian McLaughlin said: “This further delay is extremely disappointing given the prior assurances given by the contractor that the bridge would reopen on December 15.

“The council is doing everything within its power, and within the contract terms with Interserve, to reopen Poole Bridge as soon as possible before Christmas.”

Meanwhile, an Interserve spokesman explained: “Our project team has been working very hard to ensure that the bridge is opened as soon as is practicably possible given the ongoing design changes, supply delays and current adverse weather conditions.”