Motorists reminded to plan ahead and change their travel plans as Kingsferry Bridge cable repairs to be completed over the Kent school half-term in October: Kingsferry Bridge drone picture

Tuesday 15 Oct 2024

Motorists reminded to plan ahead and change their travel plans as Kingsferry Bridge cable repairs to be completed over the Kent school half-term in October

Region & Route:
Southern
| Southern: Kent
  • Network Rail and Kent County Council have agreed measures to keep people moving 
  • People are still advised to change travel plans to help reduce road congestion. 
  • Bridge repairs will take place between 22:00 on Friday 25 October and 05:00 on Sunday 3 November 

Motorists in Sheppey and Sittingbourne are being advised to plan ahead, leave more time to travel and travel at quieter times of the day from 22:00 on Friday 25 October to 05:00 on Sunday 3 November, when 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 be replaced in the Kent school half-term in October. 

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. 

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. 

As with the 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 moped and motorbikes. 

David Davidson, Network Rail’s Route Director for Kent said:  “We know there’s never a good time to close the Kingsferry Bridge. It’s vitally important to rail passengers, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, commercial shipping and leisure boats. The local road network is busy with holiday traffic in summer and school and commuter traffic, as well as road freight the rest of the year.  

“During the October half-term around nine in 10 schools in the area are closed, meaning that the roads will be quieter and people will generally have more flexibility with their travel plans. 

“The Grovehurst roundabout works are already increasing journey times for local people, but unfortunately we can’t delay the rope replacement until that work is complete. If the ropes failed over the winter, it would take time to mobilise a repair team. Also, doing the work in winter when weather is more challenging would take longer, and there is a higher risk the Sheppey Crossing could close due to the winds, cutting the island off completely. 

“We are sorry for the disruption people will face, but we have no other option but to get the ropes replaced now. 

“To help manage the impact on the area, we’re working closely with Kent County Council to put a range of mitigations in place. 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." 

Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director, said:  “If you need to travel when the line is closed then we are providing a regular replacement bus service between Sheerness and Sittingbourne stations. Online journey planners are up to date, and you can also visit our website for more detailed information. Thanks for bearing with us over the summer and again for this final time while the essential repairs to the Kingsferry Bridge are completed.”

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. 

Notes to Editors

When work is taking place, the bridge will be closed to motorists, rail passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and all maritime traffic, including jet skis and other leisure craft. 

Last trains will depart the island around midnight on 25 October when the bridge closes, while the first trains will run from approximately 05:43 on the days when the bridge reopens. 

Travel advice 

During the full closures, motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and maritime traffic will be unable to use the bridge. 

Motorists 

In addition to the full closures, 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. Exact times will be confirmed nearer the time. 

While many people can’t change their travel plans, those who can, are advised to do so.  People are also advised to shop locally, car share, travel outside of peak times or work from home for the week, if possible, as this will reduce the number of cars on the road and make journeys easier for people who have no other option but to drive.

When the bridge is closed, motorists are advised to use the Sheppey Crossing but to leave more time to travel, especially if travelling at peak times, as journeys could take significantly 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 (on the Sheppey side), and alternatively on Sheppey Way by the Old Ferry Road roundabout (on the Swale 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. 

Local and school bus services 

People who use local bus services and or school buses are advised to check with their bus operator as there may be changes to bus routes and times.   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. 

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.  

People using replacement buses, or the local buses are 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 low customer numbers that use the station and the lengthy diversionary route that buses would need to take, which would extend journey times for most customers. Any customers planning to travel to/from Swale station are advised to contact our customer relations or social media teams for assistance. 

Southeastern is providing a cycle storage facility at Sheerness for passengers to leave their bikes, including overnight. There are also a number of cycle racks at Sheerness on Sea and Sittingbourne stations if needed. 

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

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

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. 

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Paul Prentice
Communications Manager
07354 529345
paul.prentice@networkrail.co.uk

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