Figures relating to the Sheppey Crossing’s first five years have been released.

It is estimated more than 4.5 million journeys are made in each direction every year – meaning since July 2006, there have been 45 million plus.

More than 430,000 of the journeys every year are made by heavy goods vehicles.

A Highways Agency spokesman said a significant benefit of the crossing has been that traffic no longer has to wait while the Kingsferry Bridge is lifted.

Since the Crossing opened, the Kingsferry has been lifted more than 10,000 times – on average four times a day during the winter and 10 times a day in the summer.

The Crossing has only had to be closed in both directions 14 times since it opened – for severe weather such as strong winds or heavy snowfall.

Every six months, it has a detailed inspection. The drainage is checked every year and the structure every two years.

Fencing is looked at every four years. The spokesman says this inspection and maintenance work is among the best in the road industry.

The £100 million cost of the crossing and new section of the A249 includes its operation and maintenance costs until 2034.

It has provided a higher than forecast safety improvement, reducing accidents by around eight per year in its first year of opening.

The next formal report – a five-year assessment – is being compiled now.

The Highways Agency spokesman said: “The Sheppey Crossing has delivered real benefits to people and businesses on Sheppey.

“Since it opened as part of improvements to the A249 between Iwade and Queenborough, it has provided faster and more reliable journeys for the thousands of drivers who use it every day to cross the Swale.

“The Crossing also has a strong safety record. The new bridge is an instantly recognisable landmark, sweeping gracefully 29 metres above the Swale and blending with the Sheppey landscape.

“Its design was approved by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, and has won several awards including the IStructE Award for Transportation Structures in 2007.”