Newenden Bridge
Newenden Bridge is a 300-year-old three-span masonry arch that carries the A28 over the River Rother at the boundary between Kent and East Sussex. Essential maintenance works are currently planned for 16 June to 14 September 2027.
We will update this page when we have more information.
Why we are making changes
Over time, the bridge stones have started to deteriorate and lose strength. The maintenance works will include re-pointing the structure and replacing individual stones.
The bridge is classed as a scheduled monument, and it's our role to look after Kent’s historic structures to make sure they are safe for road users.
While the bridge is neither weak or in danger of collapse, assessments of the structure found that proactive maintenance work is needed to ensure the longevity of the historic structure, and to prevent future emergency works which can be more disruptive.
How the repairs will be carried out
Because the bridge is classed as a scheduled monument, any proposed work needs special consent from Historic England and must be managed by a conservation engineer.
It also means we have to repair the bridge with the same types of stones as are used in the rest of the bridge. We cannot use materials that are used in modern developments. This requires the use of lime mortar which takes time to cure and can be damaged by freezing weather.
As a result the works will need to be completed when there is no risk of a frost. Combined with the environmental restrictions on working time this limits the window of potential working to between late spring and early autumn.
This work will temporarily weaken the bridge and make it unsafe for road users to use the bridge while the works take place.
When the work will start and how long it will last
We expect the works to last 12 weeks and will require a full road closure to ensure the safety of our workforce.
Work is currently planned for 16 June to 14 September 2027. This allows time to coordinate with other road works on the network and to comply with environmental restriction on working in the river. A precise start date will be announced closer to the time.
Next steps
We are currently working with the Environment Agency and other third party consultees.
Next, we will engage with local stakeholders to understand local needs and minimise the disruption for the area.
We will then announce the confirmed date of the closure and the diversion route.
Diversion route
A full diversion route will be published before the works start.