TWIN Sails Bridge in Poole has now reopened to traffic after several days following emergency repair work.

A reduced lifting schedule will be operated during the weekend and into Monday after the £37m bridge suffered a break to a mast during lifting operations on the morning of January 16.

As reported, an emergency stop was carried out by crews conducting repair works on the bridge, causing part of the mast to snap. Investigations led engineers to find an “underlying hydraulic fault” with the structure.

Following several days of repair work, BCP Council confirmed the bridge is again open to traffic having successfully carried out test lifts.

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

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Over the weekend and Monday (January 23), we will be operating a reduced lifting schedule and lifts will be carried out during the following times: 8.30am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 16.30pm.

“We anticipate that a full lifting schedule will resume next week.”

Residents and councillors previously spoke out against issues with the bridge, with Hamworthy councillor Julie Bagwell describing herself as “disillusioned” following years of problems and closures with the bridge.

Poole Quays Forum chair Bill Constance added: “They just have to get it right and I can’t believe they’re that far off getting it right.”