The toll bridge in Sandwich will be closed next Friday, January 29, for maintenance.

A specially commissioned gearbox spline will be installed – a component unavailable ‘off the shelf’ when the bridge reopened in December.

The extra work, as reported by us in December, is required to maintain operation of the swing bridge that separates The Barbican in High Street and The Quay with Ramsgate Road.

It was shut to traffic and pedestrians for 11 weeks from September 21 for a half a million pound restoration and mechanical renovation project, carried out by Kent County Council (KCC).

Vehicles were diverted along the A256 and a shuttle bus operated daily from 6am until midnight from the Guildhall to Willowbank, on the Ramsgate Road side of the River Stour.

KCC said the road closure next Friday is for one day only, during the day, and vehicles will be signposted around a signed diversion route.

Restricted access for pedestrians will be maintained across the bridge except for when the operation of the swing bridge being is tested.

During this time there will be no access across the bridge for periods of about one hour.

Last year's closure sparked fury among traders about the effect on business in the vital run-up to Christmas.

Speaking at the time of its reopening in December, KCC portfolio holder for highways and transport Michael Payne, said: "The bridge was lifted on to a low loader using a 500 tonne crane back in September and has had a number of mechanical and electrical repairs that could not be undertaken with it in place.

"This is to enable it to open and close for marine traffic and operate reliably and safely once again.

"It has also been completely repainted with a special two-part polycarbonate paint to ensure it looks good for a long while to come.

"As well as having a new set of controls, the opportunity was taken to resurface the highway, including the footpath, leading up to the bridge."

A plaque on the bridge indicates there has been a tolled crossing in this rough location of the medieval town since 1127.

The current bridge was Grade II listed in 1976. Tolls were abolished the following year, with the final one being collected by the Mayor of the day on September 30 that year.

To see pictures of Sandwich Toll Bridge through the years, click here

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