Poole Bridge

Poole Bridge is a twin-leaf bascule bridge that crosses a narrow waterway between the harbour and Holes Bay, linking the town center to Hamworthy. The structure allows large vessels to pass through while traffic on the bridge stops during each opening.

The present structure was built in 1927, replacing an earlier iron swing bridge from 1885, which had itself succeeded an original wooden toll bridge from 1834. Over a century of bridge development served the town's growth as a maritime hub.

The bridge embodies Poole's connection to the sea, a relationship that has shaped the town for centuries. Locals and visitors see daily how it serves maritime traffic and reinforces the area's seafaring character.

The bridge opens regularly for vessel traffic, which interrupts road passage. When planning crossings or visiting the area, it helps to check opening times or use alternative routes if your journey is time-sensitive.

Major renovation work between 2016 and 2018 modernized the bridge's infrastructure to extend its operational lifespan significantly. This substantial investment demonstrates how critical the crossing remains to the town's daily function.

GPS coordinates: 50.71247,-1.99254

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21