Kingsferry Bridge to close for eight days

The bridge will be closed to trains, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and all maritime traffic

The bridge connecting the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent will close for more than a week due to ongoing repair works.

Kingsferry Bridge will be shut to trains, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic from 22:00 BST on Friday to 05:00 on 7 July.

It comes as Network Rail continues essential work to replace 40 degraded steel ropes.

Train operator Southeastern said a bus replacement service would be in place between Sheerness and Sittingbourne throughout the closure.

Rail services were previously suspended for a weekend in June due to works.

The bridge will also close to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and maritime traffic from 12 July to 15 July and 19 July to 28 July.

John Bootes lives in Sheerness and thinks the line closure will cause disruption on the island.

"It’s going to make things a lot more difficult while the line is shut as it makes journeys to work and school longer," he said. "I hope they have understanding bosses and teachers."

John Bootes, who lives in Sheerness, said commutes will be longer and more difficult

Angela Read also lives on Sheerness and commutes to Faversham.

"I’ve got to travel for an extra hour while the bridge is closed," she said.

"It’s annoying but it’s essential work that needs to be done, hopefully the line will run smoothly after that."

The bridge is supported by 40 steel ropes which lift it to allow ships to pass.

Southeastern said routine inspections had shown some of the ropes, last replaced in 1995, had deteriorated and needed replacing.

Network Rail and Southeastern asked passengers to plan ahead and leave more time to travel during the closure.