I travel across the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole on a regular basis because it’s not far from where I live.
As a family we love nothing more than being on a boat but also enjoy the wonderful views of the harbour too. When I’m about to cross Poole bridge I often secretly hope the sails will be up, and this is exactly what happened to us the other day. Not only that, we were right at the front of the queue! It was a lovely sunny day so I decided to get some footage to show you all on here.
If there’s something specific you are interested in then please check out my clickable quick links below. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the purpose, history and some interesting facts about the bridge!
Clickable Quick Links
This post answers the following Twin Sails Bridge questions:
1. When was The Twin Sails Bridge built?
2. Who designed The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole?
3. What does the Twin Sails Bridge symbolise?
4. Why was The Twin Sails Bridge built?
5. What is the history of The Twin Sails Bridge?
6. What is the clearance of Poole Lifting Bridge?
The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole, Dorset
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Image Credit: Sunny South Coast – The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole
The twin sails bridge in Poole
When was the Twin Sails Bridge built?
The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole was built by Hochtief and opened in April 2012.
Designers
Who designed The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole?
Architect Wilkinson Eyre, Ramboll and Mechanical Engineer Bennett Associates designed The Twin Sails Bridge using LUSAS Bridge Analysis Software.
The award winning Twin Sails Bridge is also known as The Second Harbour Crossing and has two 2.5-meter footpaths as well as a 10.8-meter wide carriage way. This includes two bicycle lanes and two lanes for cars. The lift spans pivot up to 15 times per day to let boats pass through the navigation channel.
The Bridge
What does The Twin Sails Bridge symbolise?
When the leaves are lifted, they symbolise the sails of a yacht. When the leaves are lowered, there’s a beautiful view of Holes Bay to be seen from the bridge.
I love the twin sails on this one of a kind double leaved bascule bridge. Not only are they functional, but they also symbol Poole’s industrial and maritime heritage. Something that us locals are very proud of, here in Poole.
Reducing Congestion
Why was The Twin Sails Bridge built?
We were always experiencing traffic congestion around our first Poole Bridge prior to the construction of the Twin Sails bridge, so it was definitely needed.
Travelling between Hamworthy and Poole was certainly difficult at times. The twin sails bridge was built to solve this problem and to reduce travel time between the two places and I certainly feel that this goal was achieved.
History
What is the history of The Twin Sails Bridge in Poole?
The possibility of a second Poole bridge had been discussed since the year I was born in 1980. At first a fixed bridge was suggested, but in 2000 the idea of another lifting bridge was introduced.
The Twin Sails Bridge project was officially approved in 2006/2007, after negotiations between landowners and the council. Construction began in May 2010, a massive 30 years after a second bridge had first been discussed!
Image Credit: Sunny South Coast – The view from The Twin Sails Lifting Bridge
Twin Sails Bridge in Poole FAQS
Clearance
What is the clearance of Poole Lifting Bridge?
The Twin Sails Bridge has a HW clearance of 1.7m when closed. When the two sail-like triangular leaves are lifted, this provides a clear channel of 19 metres.
Opening Times
What times does the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole open?
You can check out The Twin Sails Bridge and Poole Bridge lifting times on the official BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Council website here.
I also suggest looking at the signage near the bridge for the most up to date opening times. I would also be mindful that the exact opening times vary depending on the amount of boat traffic and can change seasonally too.
Closure
Why is Poole Bridge closed?
Both The Twin Sails Bridge and Poole Bridge are open at the time of writing this article. Any closures are usually for maintenance and repair.
In January 2023 one of the 55m high masts broke and the bridge had to be closed for repairs, however when one bridge is closed the other is usually open which is why we are glad to now have two!
What do you think of the Twin Sails Bridge?
Please let me know in the comments box below!
Thanks to all of you that have sent us e-mails and messages on our social media accounts. We’re always happy to help if we can!
Sunny South Coast
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