Construction of Poole's US$59 million second harbour crossing could begin before the end of 2009 following approval of the final slice of funding for the bridge in southern England.

The South West Redevelopment Agency approved a US$14.7 million investment in the Twin Harbour Bridge at a meeting on Monday.

"Poole has been striving for a second harbour crossing for fifty years and at last we have a means by which we can deliver it," said Borough of Poole council leader Brian Leverett.

The opening bridge is designed by Bennetts Associates and Wilkinson Eyre.