Kings Ferry bridge

[FulmarJeddo]

On Thursday afternoon I set off from Stangate Creek heading for Harty. I saw across the marshes, the bridge lift at 15.10. After it was back down I called ahead to check it was going to be OK for 16.10. As I got closer to the bridge I realised I was going to miss the 16.10 slot by about 5 mins. I called the bridge again to say I was going to miss it and check the next lift would be 17.10. I was rather shocked to be told the next lift was 16.40.

I'm not sure if this was a one off as the bridge didn't lift at 16.10 or the strict rule of only lifting at 10 past the hour has been relaxed. As soon as the train had crossed the bridge, the bells started going to indicate gate closing and lifting. The bridge was up and I was through by 16.40 and on my way to Harty.

 

[Triassic]

I don't go through that often but my experience is that they will lift it for me pretty much any time I ask providing a train isn't on the way. I think certain times are "busier" than others so it may be that the times given are safe times for you to aim for, but I've always been lucky and pretty much never had to wait. Having said that I always ring them before committing into the Swale just to make sure everything is up and running, and sometimes they will tell you they have a lift planned for other traffic and I've managed to make that slot and tag on the back.

 

[Cantata]

They can only lift at H+10 or H+40. The machinery is worn, and sometimes they will refuse to lift until an hour after the previous one, to allow the machinery to cool down. They generally will only lift hourly on a Sunday, don't ask me why that is. H+10 has been quoted as the new norm, but it doesn't seem to be rigorously followed.
When it comes to commercial shipping, Network Rail is under a lot of financial pressure from the shipping company to lift promptly, so tagging on to a lift for a commercial is always a good bet.

 

[FulmarJeddo]

The main reason for my surprise was that earlier in the year there was a meeting between the MSBA and Network Rail and it was reported that the bridge would only lift once an hour at H+10. Hopefully there will be some news soon on a new contract to refurbish the lift gear.

 

[Cantata]

Yes I know, but it's apparent that some of the operators make up their own rules!

 

[davidej]

You are not kidding.

Once I was kept waiting for about 90 mins with a set of spurious excuses.