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.
Bridge lift schedule
Mariners are advised that, due to scheduled annual maintenance on the Twin Sails Bridge, an adjusted lifting schedule will be in place from the 28 April to 4 May 2025 inclusive. Throughout this period Twin Sails bridge will remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians and lifting sequences will follow a reduced timetable to enable vessel transits as follows.
| Weekday lift times | Extra lift times at Weekends and Bank Holiday |
|---|---|
| 6:30 am | |
| 7:30 am | |
| 8:30am | |
| 10:30am | |
| 12:30 pm | |
| 2:30 pm | |
| 4:30 pm | |
| 5:30 pm | |
| 6:30 pm | |
| 8:30pm | |
| 9:30 pm | |
| 10:30 pm | |
| 11:30 pm |
For the duration of Wednesday 30 April only, the programme will be further adjusted to allow the 5-yearly overnight inspection of the electrical sub-station. The above timetable will resume on the 1 May.
| Weekday lift times | Extra lift times at Weekends and Bank Holiday |
|---|---|
| 6:30 am | |
| 7:30 am | |
| 10:30am | |
| 12:30 pm | |
| 2:30 pm | |
| 4:30 pm | |
| 5:30 pm | |
| 6:30 pm |
Last updated: 15 April 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.