Kingsferry Bridge between Sittingbourne and Sheppey due to reopen
17:00, 09 October 2019
updated: 18:57, 09 October 2019
A bridge forced to close due to a gas leak has reopened but trains are still not running.
Services were suspended on Monday after the leak was detected near the Kingsferry Bridge which links the Isle of Sheppey with the mainland.
Southeastern had to bring in replacement buses due to fears of the track sparking.
Engineers from gas operator SGN have fixed two leaks which were in the gas main pipe, in a tunnel, under the bridge.
However trains are not expected to start running again until tomorrow.
A SGN spokesman said: "We’ve now completed our emergency repairs to our gas main by Kingsferry Bridge on the Isle of Sheppey.
"Our engineers have been working around the clock since Monday to repair two leaks in a section of our gas network close to the Bridge.
"Now we’ve completed these repairs, we’re able to reopen Kingsferry Bridge.
'Our engineers have been working around the clock since Monday to repair two leaks' - SGN spokesman
"Train services are expected to resume along the Sheerness-on-Sea to Sittingbourne line tomorrow.
"More details on this can be found on Southeastern’s website and on Twitter.
"Access to Ridham Dock via Old Ferry Road will remain closed for the next few hours while we clear the site of our equipment.
"Thank you to Sheppey and Swale residents for your patience and understanding in recent days."
The closure meant traffic had to be diverted over the Sheppey Crossing and access to Ridham Dock via Old Ferry Road was not available.
Swale station was also shut because it was so close to the bridge.
