Kingsferry Bridge will return to normal operation next weekend.

It will end nearly three weeks of delays for road and rail passengers caused by repairs to the span after it was repeatedly stuck in the up position.

The mechanical failure was due to a damaged electric motor, leading to lifts being carried out by auxiliary equipment.

As a result, it’s been taking up to an hour to complete the elevation cycle which has meant cancelled trains and drivers being diverted over the Sheppey Crossing.

Network Rail’s area director for Kent, Ellie Burrows, said: “We realise the disruption the problem with the bridge is bringing to the island and I’m very sorry we have not been able to get this fixed sooner.

“While the bridge lifts are still taking up to an hour, we are working with Southeastern and the Port of Sheerness to minimise disruption to passengers and road users.

“Longer term, we have a plan in place to replace the equipment on the bridge and improve its reliability.”

Bridge lifts have been coinciding with high tides.

Train operator Southeastern has been calling in buses “at short notice” for passengers while it’s elevated.

A Network Rail spokesman said a full refurbishment of the bridge and its equipment is “currently being planned and costed”.