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Caged Footbridge Over Dorset Way

After a series of overnight road closures on the Dorset Way dual carriageway, a new steel cage has been installed onto the pedestrian footbridge linking Tower Park with Canford Heath.

The new covered footbridge, situated near to Tesco, will be re-opened to pedestrians today, Thursday 8 December.

Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy including Transportation, Borough of Poole, said: "This particular footbridge has suffered from a number of incidents of objects being thrown from it and into the paths of vehicles below.  All of the incidents were potentially very serious and it was very fortunate that none have caused injury or even fatalities to drivers below as they swerved to avoid objects.

"We'd rather not have to resort to such measures but following collaborative working between Dorset Police and the Council in assessing the nature of the incidents it became clear that this was the only solution available to prevent reoccurrences."

Steve Tite, Principal Manager, Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The steel framed addition to the bridge has been designed with colour and shape to make it appear in keeping with its urban environment. Most importantly it is hoped that from now on drivers using this busy stretch of highway will do so without having to be distracted by what could be going on above them."

The contract to install the cage was let to Civil Engineering Contractor Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. The road closures has also had the added benefit of allowing the opportunity to improve the street lighting in the vicinity of the bridge and to carry out remedial works to the concrete bridge structure.  The overall cost of all the works was £140,000.

Steve Tite, Principal Manager, Transportation Services, Borough of Poole tel 01202 262020