Dear stakeholder,
We will be making further bridge repairs between 2200, Friday 25 October and 0500, Sunday 3 November. The public in Sheppey and Sittingbourne are being advised to plan ahead and change their travel plans, if possible, as the Kingsferry Bridge closes for eight days. Network Rail will use the time to complete the replacement of the ropes that lift the bridge for shipping.
The October closure comes after scans of the steel ropes found they had degraded, meaning the rope replacement which was planned for 2026 had to be urgently brought forward. If the work isn’t done before winter, there is a risk that the ropes could fail and the bridge would close for a much longer period.
The lifting ropes in the Kingsferry Bridge towers and the counterweight ropes that balance the bridge deck when it lifts were replaced over a series of closures in June and July. The lifting ropes in the Kent towers will now be replaced in the Kent school half-term in October.
Doing the work when schools are closed
Taking on board lessons from the previous closures, Network Rail, has decided to complete the works in the half term when most schools will be closed, there will be less traffic on local roads and people will have more flexibility with their travel plans.
While most schools are closed, some academies and independent schools may be open. Parents are advised to check with their children’s schools and bus operators to understand bus times.
For those parents of children at half term activity clubs, please plan ahead as travel times may take longer.
Agreements with Kent Council County to keep people moving
To further reduce road congestion when the Kingsferry Bridge is closed in October, Network Rail and Kent County Council have agreed that the traffic management from the northbound A249 will be temporarily removed.
Like previous closures of the bridge, free vehicle recovery will be in place from Cowstead Corner to Bobbing Roundabout, all requests for non-emergency roads in the area will be rejected and shuttle buses will be in place for rail passengers, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as under 50cc mopeds and motorbikes.
Can you change your travel plans when Kingsferry is closed?
We’re also asking those people who can change their travel plans to do so. We’re fully aware that many people can’t change their travel plans, but if you can shop locally, car share, travel outside of peak times or work from home for the week, please do, as this will make journeys easier for people who have no other option but to travel.
Keeping people moving
To help manage the impact on local people and roads, Network Rail and Kent County Council have agreed a number of measures to help keep people moving.
Network Rail and Kent County Council have agreed that the traffic management from the northbound A249 will be temporarily removed. It has been agreed that all requests for non-emergency roadworks in the area will be turned down when the Kingsferry Bridge is closed.
Free recovery will be in place from Bobbing Roundabout to Cowstead Corner to clear accidents and breakdowns quickly. People who need support or see a vehicle that needs assistance, please call 0870 600 3444.
A rail replacement bus will move rail passengers and people are encouraged to use it to help minimise the number of cars on the roads. A shuttle bus will be in place to move pedestrians and cyclists, as well as under 50cc mopeds and their riders.
Finally, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this closure of the Kingsferry Bridge.
Detailed travel advice for all modes will be available at Kingsferry Bridge repairs - Network Rail ahead of the closure.
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