Poole's Twin Sails bridge viewing area closed

Construction of the bridge started in October 2010

A viewing platform which allowed the public to watch progress of a new £37m bridge in Dorset has been closed ahead of the structure's opening.

Poole's Twin Sails lifting bridge is due to open to traffic on 27 February.

A viewing area has now been shut to allow contractors to complete the final stages of construction.

Borough of Poole council said it would mark the end of the 20-month project with a community event on the bridge on 25 and 26 February.

Local guests will be invited to join the first group of people to walk across the bridge on Saturday 25 February.

2,000 homes

Other residents will also be given the opportunity to cross the bridge on foot before it opens to vehicles.

A further official opening ceremony will also be held on 9 March.

The bridge deck and lifting leaves are made up of 41 separate sections of steel which have been welded together on site.

The structure spans Backwater Channel between Hamworthy and Poole port and will "unlock" 26 hectares of brownfield land for regeneration.

The council believes up to 2,000 homes could be built on the land over the next 10 to 15 years.