WORK on Sheppey's second bridge could start on March 1, 2004, according to the Highways Agency.

The bridge and its associated access road may be open to traffic on March 31, 2006, with final works completed on July 1 that year.

The timetable was revealed by Highways Agency chief executive Tim Matthews in response to a parliamentary request for more information from Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt.

Mr Matthews said the A249 Iwade bypass to Queenborough improvement scheme, as it is offically known, was out to tender at present with the return date scheduled for December 6. He said the agency expected to award the contract in November next year.

Mr Matthews added: "It should be noted that while tenders are due to be submitted by December 6, a significant period of negotiation is required between the return of tenders and the award of contract."