Poole Bridge will close from Monday as part of a major engineering overhaul.

Thousands of residents and workers will be affected by next week’s shutdown, which will bar all traffic from the bridge - even cyclists and pedestrians 

Both approach spans to the bridge, which was constructed 1927, are failing, and borough engineers say it is vital they are replaced to extend the structure’s lifespan.

As well as this work, engineers will also replace the bridge’s dated control systems, widen the carriageway on both approaches and construct a new, wider, shared cyclepath and footway.

Traffic will be diverted over the Twin Sails Bridge for the duration of the work.

The project forms part of the wider £23.3million Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) scheme, which was secured to encourage economic growth, improve housing and create better access to and from the Port of Poole.

Here's what you need to know: 

How long will the bridge close and will I still be able to get across on foot or bicycle?

The bridge will shut for nine months completely to ALL traffic. The nature of the work means pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to use the crossing.

How will I get from the Hamworthy side to Poole Quay and vice versa?

Poole's Twin Sails Bridge will operate as the main crossing throughout the nine month project.

Why is this closure needed now?

Both approach spans to the bridge are failing and borough engineers say it is vital they are replaced to extend the structure's lifespan. Borough of Poole engineering manager John Rice explained: "The concrete sections above and underneath the roadway are all original 1927 construction, and they are all failing."

Has any significant work been carried out before to strengthen the bridge?

Yes, in the 1990s Dorset County Council put in the blue support beams which are visible under the roadway. However, these beams, everything above them, and the black piles which have been driven into the water will ALL be replaced during this latest project.

How much will the renovations cost?

The Poole Bridge overhaul will cost £4.7million and is part of a wider £23.3 million project, established by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which aims to improve transport links from the port to the A31, improve housing and encourage economic growth in Poole.

Why is the bridge viewed as so important to Poole?

Dorset LEP director Lorna Carver explained: "It is absolutely imperative that this goes ahead because it is part of creating a path out of the port, out of Dorset, into the wider world. This is a barrier, so we are unlocking the barrier."

What exactly is being replaced during the project? What new features will the bridge have when the work is over?

Both approach spans will be completely rebuilt, including all the piles and support beams. The supporting walls at each end of the bridge - the abutments - will also be completely rebuilt. Engineers will replace the bridge's control system, which is approaching the end of its operational life. The carriageway on both approaches will be widened by around one metre, and a wider shared footway and cyclepath - with clearer lines of sight - will be constructed.

What about the finished product? Will the bridge lose its historical significance in any way?

Poole Bridge was constructed in 1927, and it is popular among locals and tourists to the area. Darryl Allen, the project manager for the scheme, told the Daily Echo: "One of our aims is to maintain the aesthetics of the bridge. The new bridge will be in keeping with the ethos of the 1927 design."

Borough of Poole engineering manager John Rice said: “The concrete sections above and underneath the roadway are all original 1927 construction, and they are all failing.

"To take the additional traffic load, Dorset County Council, in the 1990s, put these blue beams underneath to strengthen the whole thing. The project we are embarking on is to replace the blue beams, everything above and the black piles going down into the water.

"The supporting walls at each end of the bridge - the abutments - are also failing and will be replaced.”

“Having got our heads around the fact that the approach spans have basically come to the end of their lives, are we simply going to put back the same width deck that we have now? It seemed like an opportunity to try and do something better.”