Kingsferry Bridge repairs

We are carrying out repairs to the iconic Kingsferry Bridge, replacing the 40 steel ropes which lift the bridge for maritime traffic.

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?

We completed the first weekend of work in early June. There will be 18 further days of closures of June and July meaning the 1950s structure will close to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic from:

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.

Insight survey

To help us plan for the closures please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

Why can’t you replace the ropes when other roadworks in the area are finished?

Unfortunately, we can’t wait until roadworks in the area are complete. While Network Rail’s regular testing of the ropes ensures bridge users are kept safe, if the rope’s condition worsens it could result in an unplanned closure and cause significant disruption to bridge users for an extended length of time until repairs can be made.

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.

What are the benefits?

The risk of a sudden unplanned closure of the bridge due to a rope failure will have been removed.

The ropes on the bridge will safely and reliably lift the bridge for another 30 years, supporting the local economy and the people of Sheppey and north east Kent.

Doing the work in summer reduces the risk of Sheppey Crossing closing due to high winds while work on Kingsferry is taking place.

Doing the work as part of carefully planned programme allows local people and vital shipping to plan around the closure.

What are the alternatives when Kingsferry Bridge is closed?

Rail passengers/rail replacement buses

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

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

Swale station will not be served when Kingsferry Bridge is closed. This is because of the lengthy diversion route that buses would need to take to serve the station.

For more information on the bus replacement service visit Southeastern Railway.

Maritime traffic

When work is taking place the Kingsferry Bridge is closed to all maritime traffic including small boats, kayaks/canoes and jet skis. This is to ensure the safety of maritime users as there is a risk materials could fall from the bridge.

Motorists

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

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.

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.

Local bus services / school buses

People who use local buses or school buses are advised to check with their bus operator to understand if there will be changes to bus routes and times.

Other roadworks in the area

Kent County Council are also working nearby on the A249 Grovehurst Road Improvement Scheme. Essential traffic management is in place to ensure the safety of all road users. Please visit A249 Grovehurst Road and interchange junction – Kent County Council for more information.

Get in touch

For more information call our National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41, visit our contact us page, or contact us on X @NetworkRailSE.