A 64-year-old bridge will be shut for more than a week, starting from today (June 28).

Kingsferry Bridge, which connects the Isle of Sheppey with the mainland, will close so 40 steel ropes that lift the bridge can be replaced.

Built by British Rail in 1960 the bridge is used by motorists and pedestrians to travel to the rest of the county and is the only route trains can use to get across The Swale.

The ropes were last replaced almost 30 years ago and are now coming to the end of their operational life.

During a weekend closure earlier this month, Network Rail’s engineers completed the replacement of the counterweight ropes on the Sheppey side of the bridge.

These stabilise the bridge deck when it lifts for shipping.

During the upcoming closure, the lifting ropes on the Sheppey side of the crossing will be replaced.

The counterweight and lifting ropes on the mainland side of the bridge will be replaced during the remaining closures.

When work is taking place, the bridge will be closed to motorists, rail passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and all maritime traffic, including jet skis and other leisure craft.

The last trains will depart the Island at about midnight on Fridays when it shuts. First trains will run from approximately 5.43am on the days when the bridge reopens.

The bridge will reopen on Sunday, July 7.

Further closures will take place from Friday, July 12 until Monday, July 15.

Another nine-day closure will take place from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 28.

All closures will start at 10pm on the first day and finish at 5am on the last.

Network Rail’s Kent route director David Davidson said: “While the first weekend closure went very smoothly with traffic on local roads being very light, we’re expecting the roads to be much busier and more congested over weekdays with school and commuter traffic.

“We’re grateful to people of Sheppey and the surrounding area for their patience as we complete these urgent repairs and our people who use the bridge is to please continue to plan ahead and leave more time to complete your journeys.

“We want to remind jet ski and speed boat users that for the safety of everyone, including those working on the bridge, they can’t pass under the bridge when work is taking place – it’s too dangerous.

“We hope people will understand why this is the case, and we thank them for their patience.”

Southeastern’s operations and safety director Scott Brightwell added: “We support these bridge repairs, but we appreciate it does make journeys more difficult for our customers.

“Please check before you travel and thanks for bearing with us while this essential work is carried out.”