A bridge used by thousands of people each day is to shut for parts of the summer in a move expected to bring travel chaos.

Kingsferry Bridge is used by motorists, pedestrians and rail passengers to travel to and from the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent via the A249.

Built in its current form by British Rail in 1960, the vertical-lift bridge is the only route trains can use to get across The Swale.

However, it is to close for 20 days throughout June and July.

Network Rail says emergency repairs need to be carried out to 40 steel ropes, which support the bridge when it lifts for maritime traffic.

They have deteriorated and all 40 need replacing.

The bridge – which was used to shoot scenes in The Beekeeper, starring Hollywood actor Jason Statham, which was released in January – will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists, rail, road and maritime traffic across two weekends and two eight-day periods.

The first closure is on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 followed by another from Saturday, June 15 to Saturday, June 22.

A further eight-day shutdown will run from Saturday, June 29 to Saturday, July 6, before a final weekend closure across July 13 and 14.

Network Rail’s route director David Davidson admits it will be "very inconvenient" for users, but says the work needs to be done for people's safety.

He said: “Kingsferry Bridge is a vital link for the people of Sheppey and essential for the movement of billions of pounds worth of goods by shipping each year.

"We know the closure is going to be very inconvenient and have explored a wide range of options for replacing the ropes, but this is the least disruptive for people in Sheppey and shipping.

“We simply can’t delay the work any longer, due to the risk of a failure closing the bridge without warning.

"That scenario would mean that local people and businesses wouldn’t have the option of planning ahead, and the bridge would likely be closed for longer than it would for a carefully planned closure.

“We know roadworks in the local area are already extending journeys for people, [but] we will work closely with National Highways and Kent County Council to minimise disruption and keep people moving.

"We’ll also work closely with Southeastern to keep rail passengers informed of their alternatives including bus replacement services.”

The train operator says people in Sheppey and north east Kent should plan trips in advance before the works begin.

Southeastern is arranging alternative travel for those using the trains.

Operations and safety director Scott Brightwell said: “We want to look after our customers when the bridge is closed, and we are providing a regular bus service between Sheerness, Queenborough and Swale stations.

"Full details will be published shortly, so please check before you travel.

"I also want to say thank you in advance for bearing with us while these essential repairs are carried out.”

All weekend closures will begin late on Friday nights, with the bridge reopening to traffic early on Monday mornings.

The eight-day repairs will see traffic return to normal on Sunday mornings.

Network Rail says it will provide the exact opening and closing times at a later date.

The company added that by staggering the work during the summer, the risk of the Sheppey Crossing – the alternative route for vehicles to the island – closing due to high winds was reduced.