Buses will replace trains between Sheerness-on-Sea and Sittingbourne over several dates in June and July this year

The railway will be closed while Network Rail engineers carry out essential safety repairs to the Kingsferry Bridge between Queenborough and Swale stations on the Isle of Sheppey.

What work is being done?

The repairs are needed after routine inspections revealed that the condition of some of the 40 steel ropes, which support the bridge when it lifts for maritime traffic, have deteriorated.

The ropes were last replaced in 1995 and are therefore reaching the end of their life. While regular testing ensures bridge users are kept safe, if the rope condition worsens it could result in an unplanned closure which would cause significant disruption to bridge users until repairs are made.

What are the train service changes?

Below are the dates when buses will replace trains, please note that the buses will not call at Swale station.

• Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June
• Saturday 29 June to Saturday 6 July
• Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July
• Saturday 20 July to Saturday 27 July

Please see replacement bus timetables below:

• Saturday 8 June
• Sunday 9 June
• Saturday 29 June
• Sunday 30 June
• Monday 1 to Friday 5 June
• Saturday 6 July
• Saturday 13 July
• Sunday 14 July
• Saturday 20 July
• Sunday 21 July
• Monday 22 to Friday 26 July
• Saturday 27 July

What is the travel advice while the line is closed?

We want to thank customers for bearing with us while this essential repair work is carried out on the bridge. If you do need to travel along the line during the closure then accessible replacement buses are available but please check journey planners and allow much more time for your journey.