A SECTION of the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole snapped on Monday following a technical fault – with no indication as to when it will be fixed.

The bridge suffered a break to a mast on the eastern side of the bridge during lifting operations on the morning of Monday, January 16.

Highways officers closed access to the road leading up to the moveable bridge, which connects Holes Bay to Hamworthy, while engineers worked to cut the snapped piece of mast from the main structure.

Engineers were hoisted via a winch from a vessel in Holes Bay up to the mast, where they used cutting tools and ropes to remove the snapped section from the rest of the mast in a stable manner.

It is understood the mast break was as a direct result of a separate technical fault with the bridge.

One witness said: “Whilst engineers were trying to get the bridge open, the bridge started shaking violently and the end of the bridge broke off.”

According to BCP Council, investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the break and confirmed the bridge would remain closed until further notice.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “During lifting operations this morning, part of the mast on one side of the bridge broke. Engineers are currently working to remove this broken mast and investigate the cause.

Bournemouth Echo: Crews remove broken mast from Twin Sails Bridge in PooleCrews remove broken mast from Twin Sails Bridge in Poole (Image: Newsquest)

“We will be carrying out further checks to ensure the bridge can operate safely and ensure there is no other damage. During this time the bridge will not be in operation and the road is closed.

“Poole Bridge is still in operation, maintaining vehicular access to Hamworthy. We will provide updates on Twin Sails when we can and residents should keep an eye on BCP Council social media pages for further information.”

The council was unable to provide a timeframe for when the bridge may be operational again.

Twin Sails Bridge has been blighted with problems and closures since opening in 2012, including extended issues during late 2020 and into 2021 when the bridge’s design was called into question by local councillors.