The Kingsferry Bridge was built in the 1950’s and is a vital rail, road, pedestrian and cycle link for the people of Sheppey. It is also vital for the movement of billions of pounds worth of goods by ship each year.
What are we doing?
The bridge utilises 40 steel ropes to lift the bridge deck. These ropes were last replaced in 1995 and are now coming to the end of their life. Recent Magnetic Resonance Testing (MRT) has found the some of the ropes have degraded and urgently need replaced.
We are replacing the 40 steel ropes in a series of closures this summer.
When are the works taking place?
The 1950s structure will close to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic from:
- 22:00 on Friday 7 June to 05:00 Monday 10 June
- 22:00 on Friday 28 June to 05:00 Sunday 7 July
- 22:00 on Friday 12 July to 05:00 on Monday 15 July
- 22:00 on Friday 19 July to 05:00 on Sunday 28 July
Last trains will depart the island around midnight on Fridays when the bridge closes. First trains will run from approximately 05:43 on the days when the bridge reopens.
In addition to the full closures, from 09:30, Wednesday 5 June, through to 15:00, Wednesday 12 June, and from Monday 24 June through to Friday 2 August, traffic management will be in place on the Kingsferry Bridge to allow construction materials, plant and staff welfare facilities to be delivered.
A single lane of the bridge will be open and controlled by traffic lights during this time, excluding the full closures when motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and maritime traffic cannot use the bridge.
