We completed a critical rope replacement project in the UK on the historic Kingsferry Bridge, which connects the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent. This bridge plays a key role in supporting transport and lifts regularly to allow passage for maritime traffic accessing the busy Swale docks.
Built in the 1950s, Kingsferry Bridge is essential for both local connectivity and the smooth movement of high-value freight. To ensure its continued safe operation, we replaced all 40 of its ropes, last changed in 1995, which had reached the end of their service life.
Our Role
We conducted Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT), which identified significant mechanical damage in some of the ropes, triggering an urgent need for replacement. Our expert team carried out full rope replacement, ensuring minimal disruption while securing the long-term reliability of the lifting mechanism.
The new ropes are expected to serve the bridge for another 25 to 30 years. As noted by Asta Neely, Asset Strategy Manager at Network Rail, this was a highly complex operation, with the team "working incredibly hard" to complete the task safely and efficiently.
This project has successfully eliminated the risk of an unplanned bridge closure due to rope failure, safeguarding both local infrastructure and maritime operations for years to come.
