East Sussex County Council have informed Newhaven Port Authority that the Newhaven Swingbridge will be operational again for river traffic from Friday 3rd January 2014.
This follows lengthy repairs required after the storm tidal surge on 6th December 2013 caused severe flood damage to essential components of the swingbridge mechanism.
However, for the time being, part of the opening (and closing) operation will be a manual operation rather than fully automated. This involves extra staff being on site and working in difficult conditions. It will also take a few minutes longer than normal to open/close the bridge and Mariners should take this into account when planning their passage.
For this reason, mariners requiring a swingbridge opening should note that openings will only be in daylight and with a minimum of 12 hours notice being given. (Commercial vessels under pilotage to/from North Quay excepted).
These conditions of use will be in place until further notice.