Kingsferry Bridge closed this weekend

The Kingsferry Bridge is set to close for two weekends and two 8-day periods over June and July for emergency repairs and will close to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic during the works. More information about the closure is available www.networkrail.co.uk/KingsferryBridge

What is Network Rail 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.

When are the works taking place?

    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 

*Trains will run to their normal times on the days when the bridge opens and closes.

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.

What are the alternatives when Kingsferry Bridge is closed?

Motorists

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.

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

A shuttle bus with trailer will be available to transport motorcycles/mopeds under 50cc, but capacity will be limited and there may be queues at busy times. People are advised to travel another way if possible. Pick-up and drop-off points will be on Sheppey Way off the Queenborough Road/ Cowstead Corner roundabout (Sheppey side), and alternatively on Sheppey Way by the Old Ferry Road roundabout (mainland side). The trailer will run approximately once an hour, on the hour, however congestion on the wider network may affect departure times and overall journey times.

Rail customers

Trains can’t run between Sittingbourne and Sheerness when the repair work is being carried out. During the closures, a regular replacement bus service will run between Sheerness, Queenborough, Kemsley and Sittingbourne stations.

Swale station will not be served when Kingsferry Bridge is closed. Southeastern is providing a cycle storage facility at Sheerness for passengers to leave their bikes, including overnight.

Taxis can be provided for any customers that have accessibility needs but there may be a wait depending on road traffic.

Cyclists and pedestrians

When the Kingsferry Bridge is closed a 24/7 shuttle bus will be in place to transport pedestrians and cyclists across the Sheppey Crossing.

Pick-up and drop-off points will be on Sheppey Way off the Queenborough Road/ Cowstead Corner roundabout (Sheppey side), and alternatively on Sheppey Way by the Old Ferry Road roundabout (mainland side). The shuttle bus will run approximately once an hour, on the hour, however congestion on the wider network may affect departure times and overall journey times.

Leisure cyclists are politely asked to avoid using the shuttle service to leave space for people commuting to work via bicycle

For more information on the bus replacement service check the travel advice on the Southeastern website.

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