The Kingsferry Bridge was first built in 1860, thus eliminating the need for ferries.
Over time, there have been four bridges built over the Swale at this point.
 All bridges had to allow sufficient clearance for shipping heading to the commercial docks at Ridham:
19 July 1860: The London, Chatham and Dover Railway built the first bridge to an Admiralty design.
It had a central span raised between two towers.
Trains and road traffic were able to use it, as with the next two bridges.

6 November 1906: The South Eastern and Chatham Railway replaced the first bridge with one having a "rolling lift" design.
It was originally worked by hand, but later by electricity.

October 1959: Kingsferry Bridge, a lifting bridge was installed, able to lift both the road and the railway line to allow ships to pass beneath.

May 2006: The Sheppey Crossing was completed and opened on 3 July.
This four-lane road bridge rises to a height of 95 feet (29m) at mean high water springs above the Swale, and carries the A249 trunk road.
Pedestrian, animal and bicycle traffic, as well as the railway, are still obliged to use the lifting bridge, which still provides the most direct link between the island and the Iwade/Lower Halstow area.

On 5 September 2013, fog caused a 130 vehicle pile-up on the Sheppey Crossing bridge and its northern approach.
With eight people seriously hurt, another 30 hospitalised and a further 120 classified as "walking wounded", the incident was the county's worst road accident in twenty years.
The Kingsferry Bridge was first built in 1860, thus eliminating the need for ferries. Over time, there have been four bridges built over the Swale at this point.  All bridges had to allow sufficient clearance for shipping heading to the commercial docks at Ridham:
19 July 1860: The London, Chatham and Dover Railway built the first bridge to an Admiralty design. It had a central span raised between two towers. Trains and road traffic were able to use it, as with the next two bridges.
6 November 1906: The South Eastern and Chatham Railway replaced the first bridge with one having a "rolling lift" design. It was originally worked by hand, but later by electricity.
October 1959: Kingsferry Bridge, a lifting bridge was installed, able to lift both the road and the railway line to allow ships to pass beneath.
May 2006: The Sheppey Crossing was completed and opened on 3 July. This four-lane road bridge rises to a height of 95 feet (29m) at mean high water springs above the Swale, and carries the A249 trunk road. Pedestrian, animal and bicycle traffic, as well as the railway, are still obliged to use the lifting bridge, which still provides the most direct link between the island and the Iwade/Lower Halstow area.
On 5 September 2013, fog caused a 130 vehicle pile-up on the Sheppey Crossing bridge and its northern approach. With eight people seriously hurt, another 30 hospitalised and a further 120 classified as "walking wounded", the incident was the county's worst road accident in twenty years.
Isle of Sheppey