Eight day closure of rail bridge to begin

A bridge which provides a rail link between mainland Kent and the Isle of Sheppey is to close for eight days so lifting ropes can be replaced.

The Kingsferry Bridge closure has been planned for half-term, beginning at 22:00 BST on Friday and ending at 05:00 GMT on 3 November.

This is the final closure of the bridge, after a series of them took place in July.

Network Rail’s route director for Kent, David Davidson, said during half term about nine in 10 schools in the area were closed and people generally had "more flexibility" with travel plans.

The plan had been to replace the lifting ropes in 2026, but the work was brought forward after scans revealed how much they had degraded, with the risk they could fail during winter and leave the bridge unable to be lifted, Network Rail said.

Southeastern, which usually runs trains on the line between Sittingbourne and Sheerness-on-Sea, said it would operate a replacement bus service.

Any passengers with accessibility needs will have a replacement taxi arranged, it added.

Kent County Council has also agreed to lift a traffic management system on the A249 northbound while the bridge is closed.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.