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Poole Harbour Twin Sails Bridge

The Twin Sails Bridge, Poole Harbour officially opened to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists on the 4th April 2012.

Eadon staff have been involved with the project since its inception in 2002 when the competition was originally won. Eadon assisted the main contractor Hochtief Construction (UK) with the delivery of the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment for this unique double bascule bridge.

Key facts

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Location

Poole, Dorset

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Client

Borough of Poole

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In Partnership with

HOCHTIEF UK

The Twin Sails Bridge provides a much needed second crossing between Poole Harbour and Hamworthy. The bridge consists of two fixed approach spans with a central 19m wide navigation channel. When required to lift to allow the passage of marine vessels two moveable triangular bridge decks, each 30m long, lift to allow an unlimited height clearance across the width of the navigation channel.

Each of the decks are lifted using two 540mm bore, 360mm rod and 3221mm stroke hydraulic cylinders powered by a pair of 132kW electrically driven hydraulic pumps. The decks are lifted through 88 degrees in 90 seconds. In the unlikely event of a cylinder failure each deck can be lifted on a single cylinder.

Upon the award of the construction contract to Hochtief, Eadon Consulting assisted with the design development, works testing witnessing, installation and commissioning plus provision of other advice and support throughout the construction period.

Poole Twin Sails soffit of deck in raised position

The 160 tonne structure was successfully lifted into place over the River Lea by a 1200 tonne crane after the various components of the bridge span, which were delivered to site in 20 – 25m long sections, were constructed. Only when the bridge was complete with final handrails, etc, and the hydraulic system fully tested was the bridge then lowered, by hydraulic cylinders, onto its bearings.

Eadon provided support to the contractor during the construction and commissioning stages by assisting them with reviews and attendance at factory acceptance tests (FAT), site visits and reviewing the subcontractors’ documentation packages.