Bridge lifting
After the first bridge lifts, the second bridge will open as soon as possible.
The first bridge will open again, if required, for returning vessels.
All vessels must be visible and on station when requesting a lift. It is advised to make contact with the Bridge Operator on channel 12 notifying them.
Poole Bridge will lift first for all lifting cycles, Twin Sails opens immediately afterwards.
If there are no inbound vessels requesting a lift at the timetabled times but there are vessels requesting lift outbound, Twin Sails will lift first.
The bridges will only lift on request.
Until further notice, the lifting schedule of Poole Bridge and Twin Sails will be as per the schedule below.
| Weekday lift times | Extra lift times at Weekends and Bank Holiday |
|---|---|
| 5:30 am | |
| 6:30 am | |
| 7:30 am | |
| 8:30am | |
| 9:30 am | |
| 10:30am | |
| 11:30 am | |
| 12:30 pm | |
| 1:30 pm | |
| 2:30 pm | |
| 3:30 pm | |
| 4:30 pm | |
| 5:30 pm | |
| 6:30 pm | |
| 7:30 pm | |
| 8:30pm | |
| 9:30 pm | |
| 10:30 pm | |
| 11:30 pm |
* Weekends and bank holidays only
Last updated: 02 May 2025.
Unscheduled lifts
When hourly lifts are scheduled, the only unscheduled lifts will be under the direction of the Harbour Master, or from commercial vessels longer than 40 metres.
To apply, download the the application form for an unscheduled bridge lift for a commercial vessel.
Mariners need to check the headroom displays at the bridge to judge if they can pass below without the bridge being lifted.