A RIVER crossing will be closing overnight as a £1million refurbishment project nears completion.

Newhaven Swing Bridge, which carries the A259 over the River Ouse, will shut for five nights next month to allow testing of new electrical systems and lifting jacks.

The work is part of a scheme to completely refurbish the electrical and mechanical components of the structure, which was built in 1974.

The bridge will close to road traffic from 10pm to 6am from August 12 to 14 and on August 17 and 18.

A diversion route will be in place via the A26 New Road and C7 Lewes Road.

There may be periods during the closure when pedestrians can cross the bridge but times will vary and cannot be guaranteed.

East Sussex County Council lead member for transport, Carl Maynard, said: “It’s vital for both road traffic and shipping that the bridge operates smoothly but its components are coming to the end of their natural life and need replacing.

“Closing the bridge overnight will minimise the impact on motorists and while there will be some temporary disruption, I’d ask people to bear with us while this essential work is completed.”

The scheme to refurbish the swing bridge is expected to be finished by the end of September.