Historical toll bridge reopens after tanker crash

19 hours ago

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East

News image — Repair works to the Sandwich toll bridge started in September, after its closure in early August

Emmet Csuka A stone bridge over a river. — Repair works to the Sandwich toll bridge started in September, after its closure in early August

A toll bridge dating back to the 18th Century that links two parts of a Kent town has reopened, two months after it was struck by a tanker.

The bridge in Sandwich was damaged while Southern Water tankers were repairing three burst sewer mains between Deal and Ramsgate.

One of the vehicles hit the structure, forcing its closure on 8 August, with emergency restoration starting last month.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said the company was "sorry" for the impact the closure had had on the town.

The toll bridge, built in 1773, is a Grade II listed structure over the River Stour.

Emmet Csuka, mayor of Sandwich, told the BBC he was delighted it had finally reopened.

He added it had been a "frustrating couple of months" as the bridge was closed during a busy time of the year.

"Some traders have told me their business had been impacted as a result of the closure," Csuka said.

"Although Sandwich has remained open for business, the loss of one of its key routes had inevitably caused disruption, this had impacted local events as well," he added.

A workman in orange hi-vis jacket and trousers stands next to a hole where damaged masonry has been removed from Sandwich Toll Bridge — Csuka said the closure of the bridge had caused disruption to the town's business and events

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "We're pleased to hear that the Sandwich Toll Bridge has now reopened.

"In August, a vehicle operated by one of our contractors damaged the bridge during repairs to a burst sewer between Deal and Ramsgate.

"We recognise the impact this has had on residents, businesses and visitors, and we're sorry for the inconvenience caused."

Southern Water told the BBC any questions relating to compensation or losses arising from the damage to the bridge should be directed to the contractor's insurers.

Kent County Council has been approached for comment.

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