NO repair work is able to be carried out on the Twin Sails Bridge as engineers are unable to identify the parts that need replacing.

Poole council issued an update on the ongoing investigation work into the fault that has closed the £37 million crossing for three weeks.

According to council officials, a half-tonne pin from the rod end assembly, which forms part of the lifting mechanism on the Hamworthy side of the bridge, needs to be removed.

Specialists from across the UK have been drafted in to help the council fix the problem, but they have so far been "unsuccessful in removing the pin", a council spokesperson said.

The pin needs to be removed to enable engineers to identify the parts that need replacing.

A "special jig" was manufactured "to allow a powerful hydraulic jack to extract the pin", but this has not proved successful. 

"We will now review all the information gathered over the last few days and share with further specialist engineers arriving next week. We will use all the expertise available to develop a solution to overcome this issue and a programme to carry out the repairs as soon as possible," a council spokesperson said.

"In the meantime the bridge will be left in its raised position and all road users will be directed over Poole Bridge."

Julian McLaughlin, head of growth and infrastructure at Borough of Poole, said: “Whilst it is frustrating that the removal of the pin is causing some issues, this is a very complex engineering project and we have the best experts from across the country working with us to identify the way forward to avoid further damage to the bridge.

"We are making every effort to ensure the crossing is operational and reopened to road users as soon as possible.”

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, regeneration and transportation, said: “I am very mindful of the impact this is having on local people, especially Hamworthy residents, and I would like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything we can to resolve the issues.

"We are committed to keeping everyone informed on progress and are looking to provide a further update as soon as possible.”