THE finishing touches are being put to Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge, which is due to open at the end of this month.

With the wands being fitted to the top of the lifting leaves, each is now 55 metres high – taller than Hardy’s Monument, Nelson’s Column or the Angel of the North.

The last two metres is lit with white LED lights, and these were both switched on for the first time last night. Steel cladding on the four 7m-high totems, which house the barriers, lights, speakers and traffic controls that communicate with the control room, are being installed.

The 20-month, £37m project across the Back Water Channel is being completed with white lines being painted on the carriageway and road signs being tested.

Jim Bright, strategic director, Borough of Poole said: “As the opening of the Twin Sails Bridge gets closer it is exciting to see both masts now in place, meaning the bridge is more than 50m tall when open.

“It is a truly wonderful sight and contractors are currently putting the finishing touches to the bridge. The pedestrian barrier has been fitted and work is continuing on the totems, footpaths and grills. Road markings will be painted shortly and trees are being planted prior to opening.”

A community weekend is to be held on February 25 and 26 when Poole Mayor, Councillor Graham Wilson, will lead the first group to walk across the bridge.

Commemorative certificates will be offered for a minimum £2 donation with all money raised from people walking across during the two days, going to local charities.

The bridge will open to traffic on Monday February 27 and there will be an official opening on Friday March 9 with a ticket-only party at the former power station site and celebrations on Poole Quay with a 9pm firework display.