Kingsferry Bridge reopens after eight-day closure

The bridge has been closed to traffic and pedestrians since 28 June

The bridge connecting the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent has reopened after being closed due to ongoing repair works for more than a week.

Kingsferry Bridge was shut to trains, motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and maritime traffic between 22:00 BST on 28 June until 05:00 on Sunday.

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

The bridge is set to be closed to all traffic again from 22:00 on Friday to 05:00 on Monday.

Southeastern has said bus replacements will be in place between Sheerness and Sittingbourne during closures.

The bridge was also previously closed for a weekend in June due to works.

Steel ropes that are used to lift the bridge deck were last replaced in 1995, with Network Rail saying they are now "coming to the end of their life".

Recent testing found some of the ropes had degraded and were in need of urgent replacement.