A 500t crane was needed to move each 40t section of steel into position ready for assembly.

Additional steelwork for the second lifting section will be delivered over the next few days.

The bridge's name reflects the sail-like appearance of the 25m-long triangular sections of steelwork.

"The delivery of the lifting leaves marks a truly exciting phase in the construction of the Twin Sails Bridge," said Borough of Poole strategic director Jim Bright. "We can begin to see how the shear size of the lifting leaves will give this iconic landmark a central presence on the Poole skyline."

The bridge deck and the sails will be made up of 41 sections of steel being manufactured by Cleveland Bridge UK in Darlington.

The first deliveries of steelwork for the main bridge deck began in March. Eight sections of steel dominate the construction site alongside the Back Water Channel. Specialists from Cleveland Bridge UK are currently welding the steelwork, weighing a combined total of more than 200t, to form a large section of the bridge deck.

Installation of the decks and leaves will take place during the summer.

The Twin Sails Bridge is scheduled to open in early 2012.