One of only three traffic routes linking Dover Seafront to the A20 and town centre will temporarily cut off.

The swingbridge at Union Road will be closed to all vehicles for about 11 weeks from Monday, September 6.

This also closes a direct link to the rapidly-developing Western Docks.

The Port of Dover says this has to be done for necessary structural strengthening and investigation works.

The remaining town routes for traffic from the A20 Townwall Street to the Seafront and Cargo Terminal are via the A20/ Marine Parade junction and Wellesley Road.

Diversion signs will be in place to guide drivers.

The port authority says that while the work is expected to take about 11 weeks, the bridge provisionally reopen to vehicular traffic on November 18 subject to the findings of the structural investigations and repairs.

The bridge is closed for all that time although the work will be limited to 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Pedestrian access across it will remain on at least one walkway throughout the works except between 9am and 1pm from Wednesday, September 8 to Friday, September 10 and Monday, September 13.

During these periods a temporary pedestrian diversion route will be in place around Wellington Dock.

The works will result in increased lorry movements from the cargo terminal along the seafront while the bridge is closed, so pedestrians are warned that the area may at times be busier than normal.

A port spokesman said: "We apologise for any disruption and inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while this important project is delivered.

"We have managed to schedule the works to take place after the school summer holiday and Bank Holiday periods, in order to minimise disruption to the local community during that period, but the project must now move ahead.

"As well as to the seafront, the bridge also provides important access to local businesses, the cargo terminal and current marina, and so is an important asset to maintain for our community,"

Read more: All the latest news from Dover.

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