Kingsferry Bridge closures in June and July for urgent repair work - new dates

Dear stakeholder,

New dates announced for summer 2024 Kingsferry Bridge repairs 

Planned repairs to Kingsferry Bridge this summer have been rescheduled to avoid a clash with school exams taking place in mid-June and a bike ride involving thousands of cyclists that is set to cross the bridge on Saturday 22 June. 

The 1950s structure will close to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic as follows:

• 22:00 on Friday 7 June to 05:00 on Monday 10 June 
  

• 22:00 on Friday 28 June to 05:00 on 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 (the replanned week)

Last trains will depart the island around midnight on Fridays when the bridge closes. First trains will run from approximately 0543 on the days when the bridge reopens.  

Why is the work needed?

The repairs are needed after routine inspections revealed that the condition of some of the 40 steel ropes, which support the bridge when it lifts for maritime traffic, have deteriorated. The ropes were last replaced in 1995 and are therefore reaching the end of their life. While regular testing ensures bridge users are kept safe, if the rope condition worsens it could result in an unplanned closure which would cause significant disruption to bridge users unless urgent repairs are made.   

Why can't the ropes be replaced another time?

While Network Rail’s regular testing of the ropes ensures bridge users are kept safe, if their condition worsens it could result in an unplanned closure and cause significant disruption to bridge users. The work cannot be pushed back any longer. 

To reduce the risk of a sudden closure and take advantage of favourable summer weather and tides, all 40 ropes will be replaced between June and July this year. By doing the work in summer the risk of Sheppey Crossing, the alternative route to the island, closing due to high winds is also significantly reduced. 

Staggering the repairs not only reduces the impact on local communities, allowing them to plan around the closures, but also on vital maritime traffic which contributes billions of pounds to the national economy.

Why have the dates changed?

There were concerns that the increased congestion on the alternative Sheppey Crossing and surrounding road network when Kingsferry Bridge is closed could result in significantly longer journeys for secondary school students making their way to exams at that time of year.   

Additionally, thousands of cyclists and support staff are due to come onto the island on Friday 21 June and cross Kingsferry Bridge on the morning of Saturday 22 June. While we could have found a way to get cyclists and support staff across the bridge, thousands of people and cyclists with their bikes trying to use replacement buses to get to the island on Friday 21 June could lead to serious capacity and safety challenges on buses.   

Rescheduling the work that was due to take place from 16 to 22 June to late July means that students can get to their exams without the disruption that may occur while the Kingsferry Bridge is closed. We can also ensure the bike ride can go ahead and participants and support staff can get to and from the island safely via rail.

What are the alternatives when Kingsferry Bridge is closed?

When Kingsferry Bridge is closed, motorists are advised to use Sheppey Crossing but to leave more time to travel as congestion due to existing roadworks means journeys may take longer.  

People are reminded that pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles/mopeds under 50cc, and horses/animals are not allowed to use Sheppey Crossing. 

Network Rail will publish details of alternative arrangements for transporting pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles/mopeds under 50cc in the coming weeks. 

Trains will not run between Sittingbourne and Sheerness when work is being carried out. During the closures, a regular rail replacement bus service will be running between Sheerness, Queenborough and Kemsley stations. 

People using replacement buses and local buses are also being advised to leave more time to travel as journeys will take longer.  

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the work, the changes for bridge users and alternative travel options please phone our 24/7 Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or go to www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us 

More information about the closure is available www.networkrail.co.uk/KingsferryBridge