Kingsferry Bridge

[Cantata]

I see there's a letter in the latest YM describing the problem at Kingsferry Bridge, and it reads as though the problem is ongoing. It's not, it was fixed on 22nd Feb. So fear not, it's back to its usual style of working.....

 

[Leighb]

Which gives some idea of the press date for the current MAY edition.

 

[Malish]

Update appreciated

 

[Cantata]

Update appreciated

You're welcome. We usually add this stuff to our website when we learn about it.

 

[xyachtdave]

I'm transversing the bridge this weekend.

Phone call to check it's operational and ask if there's a lift at x o'clock.

The most unhelpful person in the world who answered the phone suggested I needed to go to a train station local to the bridge to check for posters regarding engineering works on the railway this weekend.

I asked if they were planning on opening around the top of the hour as usual and he wouldn't confirm this was the case.

I might go round the other way!

 

[jerrytug]

Hi Dave, had the same, I phoned Medway VTS on their landline, and the guy immediately got on the hotline to Railtrack and secured a confirmation that a), bridge working, and b), the VHF *would* be answered by the very important operative who sits in his little box and pushes the up or down button..

 

[Cantata]

It's good to hear that Medway VTS responded like that.
Disappointing to hear the story, though, we thought that all the really unhelpful characters had gone. Obviously not.
Need to feed this stuff to the Medway Swale Boating Assn when it occurs, too, so I've drawn their attention to this thread.

 

[xyachtdave]

It's good to hear that Medway VTS responded like that.
Disappointing to hear the story, though, we thought that all the really unhelpful characters had gone. Obviously not.
Need to feed this stuff to the Medway Swale Boating Assn when it occurs, too, so I've drawn their attention to this thread.

I was going to wait until after the weekend and see how the lifting goes before swinging the lead around...!

 

[FulmarJeddo]

Do you know if the recent road closures to the fixed bridge have made any difference to the opening of the old bridge? I was out last Sunday with nowhere in particular to go and got down to the Swale and was tempted to go round the Island, but was wondering if the extra road traffic on the old bridge due to last weekends Northbound closure would affect the opening when I got there. I was out of range of the bridge on VHF and had cleared out my old almanacs from the boat during the winter and the new one is still laying on my desk along side me as I type this, oops! So I didn't have any phone numbers to call. I guess I should have tried Medway VTS, but wasn't sure about the VHF range with Warden Cliffs in between.

After starting to head down the Swale I thought better of it and turned around and went back to the Medway round the outside.

 

[xyachtdave]

Apparently you tie up at the nearest train station and look out for posters about engineering works before attempting a Kingsferry Bridge lift, no need for Almanacs!

I was at my most charming on the phone so can't understand the unhelpful attitude with a little bit of sarcastic from the operator.

I knew I was in trouble when the phone was answered with an abrupt what do you want 'Hello.' rather than 'Kingsferry Bridge how can I help you?'

 

[FulmarJeddo]

Apparently you tie up at the nearest train station and look out for posters about engineering works before attempting a Kingsferry Bridge lift, no need for Almanacs!

I was at my most charming on the phone so can't understand the unhelpful attitude with a little bit of sarcastic from the operator.

I knew I was in trouble when the phone was answered with an abrupt what do you want 'Hello.' rather than 'Kingsferry Bridge how can I help you?'

Perhaps as you wasn't advised to check road signs for maintenance work, I may have been ok then!!!

 

[Athene V30]

Apparently you tie up at the nearest train station and look out for posters about engineering works before attempting a Kingsferry Bridge lift, no need for Almanacs!'

I wonder if or where there is a Railway Station with an alongside berth? Watch out for overhead cables!

 

[ex-Gladys]

Not in the south, all 3rd rail electrification mate

 

[Habebty]

Who did you phone that was unhelpful? edit - looks like it was the was it the bridge operator?

Have you tried the Network Rail Helpline

03457 11 41 41 , yes it's a central helpline but. they are normally very good - if you state what you want to know, and they will call you back.

State when you need to pass through Kingsferry Lifting Bridge in Kent and you need to know if it is operational for marine traffic, and would they please get back to you urgently.
More importantly tell them who you spoke to before and what they said. It will get logged and reported to the local manager who will have to investigate any complaints.

 

[xyachtdave]

Completely different experience today, most helpful!

Different bloke on the radio.....