Roadworks on the Sheppey Way will be removed when the Sheppey Crossing is closed for resurfacing work.

Damage to the road surface at either end of the bridge, which has been caused by changes in the ground level since the crossing opened to traffic in 2006, is being repaired.

Work started on Monday and should be completed by Monday, March 14.

From 8pm today, the Sheppey-bound carriageway will be closed until 6am on Monday with traffic diverted over the Kingsferry Bridge.

The Highways Agency confirmed today that upgrades to the footway and cycle path on the diversion route - Sheppey Way - will be suspended until Monday.

They will again be suspended the following weekend, when the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway of the Sheppey Crossing will be closed from 8pm on Friday, March 11 and 6am on Monday, March 14, but restarted during the week.

Lane one of the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway will also be closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 11.

The Highways Agency said repairs of this type are normal when large structures such as the Sheppey Crossing are built in marshland conditions like those found on the Swale coastline, and will help keep journeys on the A249 safe for the 28,000 journeys across the bridge every day.

Highways Agency project manager Arvind Ranpuria said: “Since the Sheppey Crossing opened in 2006 it has made a real difference to people living and working on the Isle of Sheppey.

“This important work will help us keep the road in good condition, and has been carefully planned to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.”

All restrictions will be removed outside working hours.