The main construction phase of Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge has begun with the installation of six massive supports.

These will form the foundations of the much-needed second harbour crossing, which is on track to open in early 2012.

The structures will support the bridge deck and twin sails leaves that will span the Back Water Channel, providing a new road and pedestrian link between Hamworthy and Poole town centre.

On-site preparations for the £37 million project, which started in May, are now complete and contractor Hochtief (UK) can start building the bridge.

“This work marks a significant milestone in the construction of the Twin Sails Bridge,” said Jim Bright, strategic director, Borough of Poole.

“We will be laying the foundations this year before work begins on construction of the bridge deck in 2011.

“By this time next year we will be looking forward to the exciting prospect of our first tests of the twin sails lifting leaves that will become an iconic image of Poole.”

Five of the six reinforced concrete bridge supports will be started before the end of December.

Construction of the sixth will be delayed until June 2011 so boats can still get in and out of Holes Bay through a temporary navigation channel.

The six supports will sit on top of 53 foundation piles anchoring the bridge to the bottom of the channel. The concrete piles will be drilled down 31m into the seabed using large drilling equipment and cranes.

Temporary steel platforms installed in the channel will allow site workers dry access to the supports.

Poole Mayor Cllr Chris Bulteel and 60 youngsters from St Josephs RC VA Combined School and Parkstone Grammar had a close up look of the work under way.

“I am sure the Twin Sails Bridge learning day will be an experience the school children will remember for many years to come,” said Cllr Bulteel.

The nine- to 13-year-olds visited Poole Museum and learned about bridge design and protection of the environment as well as visiting the site. Similar days are being planned for other Poole schools next year.