| The new dual carraigeway Sheppey Crossing opened to traffic on Monday 3rd July 2006. This completes the full upgrade to the A249 between the M2 and Sheerness. It replaces the 1959 Kingsferry Bridge, which was a bottleneck on and off the Isle of Sheppey, and freqently lifted to allow shipping to pass underneath. The old bridge is now relegated to unclassified status but remains open as an alternative to the new bridge, a local route, and also for the railway which crosses the Swale at that point.
Also have look at the collection taken in February 2005 - "A249 Sheppey Way & Kingsferry Bridge". This shows the bridge and approaches in early stages of construction. |
From the M2 we take the A249 towards Sheerness and pass under the M2 which is on the Stockbury viaduct 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__01_.jpg |
We are now approaching the first exit which is for the A2 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__02_.jpg |
Getting close to the A2 exit 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__03_.jpg |
Dipping down into the cutting to pass under the A2 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__04_.jpg |
Passing underneath the A2 roundabout 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__05_.jpg |
Immediately past the A2 we arrive at the Bobbing (& Services) exit 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__06_.jpg |
Next up is the B2005 exit 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__07_.jpg |
Closer to the B2005 exit, the signage is somewhat different 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__08_.jpg |
Never seen this sign before! The A249 DC used to end here - now we have an option to carry straight on 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__09_.jpg |
The new Sheppey Crossing has "Special Road" status. If you are one of these, then you'll have to use the old bridge 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__10_.jpg |
Almost at the last exit before the new bridge; we see it rising in the background 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__11_.jpg |
Last chance to exit to use the old bridge, Ridham Docks, or get to the nearest villages 800x600 A249___Sheppey_Crossing__12_.jpg |
