The reopening of a key bridge that was hoped to happen today (Tuesday) has been delayed for the second time.

The Union Street swingbridge in Dover was originally meant to be back in use in November but that is now out back until February.

This is because of a holdup in the final task, resurfacing.

A Port of Dover spokesman said: "We sincerely apologise for any further inconvenience this may cause, which is regrettably beyond our control, and ask for your continued patience during the last phase of this important project."

The bridge is one of only three traffic routes linking Dover Seafront to the A20 and town centre,.

It first closed to all traffic on September 6 for structural strengthening and investigation works.

It was then provisionally expected to reopen on November 18.

But that month the port authority announced it would have to stay shut at least until today, December 21.

This holdup was caused by asbestos being feared present on the site, though it was found not to be, and difficulty in moving a 200-tone ballast.

The Port of Dover now says nearly all the necessary work so far has been done, with the main infrastructure now set to be reinstated in early January.

But the spokesman said: "Unfortunately, the lead contractor overseeing the project has been advised that current road surfacing contractor availability for resurfacing the bridge, the very last part of the works, has pushed back the reopening to February 4."

This means that the existing traffic diversions stay until then but the pedestrian walkways continues to remain open.

All this means a closure of the bridge, at first hoped to be for just 11 weeks, is stretched to 21.

As well as to the seafront, the bridge also provides a direct route to local businesses, the cargo terminal and marina.

Road access to them from the A20 Townwall Street continue via the remaining two routes, the A20/ Marine Parade junction and Wellesley Road.