HRH The Princess Royal has confirmed she’ll be travelling to Poole next month to visit the town’s new Twin Sails Bridge.

Her visit, scheduled for March 12, comes three days after the official opening of the £21million structure.

The finishing touches are currently being put to the second Poole Harbour crossing, which should open to traffic on Monday February 27.

A Borough of Poole spokes-man confirmed: “An invitation has been extended to the Royal household and we are delighted to confirm that HRH the Princess Royal has kindly agreed to visit the Twin Sails Bridge.

“We are currently working with the Lord Lieutenant’s office on the details of the Princess Royal’s visit.”

On Thursday evening the white LED lights, on the last two metres of the lifting leaves, were switched on.

Engineers are currently working on the steel cladding for the four 7m-high totems, which house the barriers, lights, speakers and traffic controls that communicate with the control room.

The bridge is part of a 20-month, £37m project across the Back Water Channel.

Poole council strategic director Jim Bright, who has been instrumental in turning the second bridge into a reality, said: “It is truly a wonderful sight and contractors are currently putting the finishing touches on the bridge.”

A community weekend will be held from February 26, when Poole Mayor Councillor Graham Wilson will have the honour of leading the first group of dignitaries across.

During the official opening ceremony, three days before the Royal visit, there will be a ticket-only event on the former power station site and celebrations, including a fireworks display, on Poole Quay