EFFORTS to deliver a long-term fix to the issue with Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge are still being sought as engineers work on the latest phase of repairs.

The bridge has been closed for more than three weeks after BCP Council took the decision to launch works to prevent further issues from developing. However, the local authority began this process without providing a reopening date.

It has now come to light that the works to remove the second pin from the bridge will begin on Monday, with this expected to take “approximately one week”.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Following works to replace one of the main bearing pivot pins in December last year, the bridge was successfully brought back into operation.

“At this time, it was made clear that more works were still required to fully repair the bridge with an ongoing review taking place to determine a long-term solution.

“On April 9, we decided to close the bridge and proceed with the next stage of repairs as soon as possible to prevent any further faults developing.

“Despite the additional challenges presented by the COVID19 pandemic, initial works to replace the second pin will proceed on Monday, May 4, and last for approximately one week.

“This will require the bridge to be kept in the down position. With the majority of people staying at home and reduced demand from road users, we hope that this is not such an inconvenience.

“Once this phase is completed, we will be able to operate Twin Sails bridge on single cylinder mode. The review to fully rectify the issues with the bridge will continue.’’

Last year the first stage of repairs lasted four months, much to the frustration of many motorists.

The bridge was brought back into operation in December on a reduced lifting schedule and an independent review is ongoing to rectify the lifting mechanism over the longer term.

Hamworthy councillor Mike White, who was a cabinet member on Borough of Poole at a time when the bridge had a spate of issues, said: “The BCP Conservative Group understand there is now a further problem with the other lifting ram and would like to know exactly what the contingency plan is and how the new BCP administration proposes to deliver on the wide-ranging promises made last summer.”