The Woolwich Ferry will be closed for six weeks from today (July 24) for maintenance work.

Transport for London (TfL) has urged customers to use alternative routes while work is carried out on the popular ferry.

The free ferry service will resume at the beginning of September.

The work is part of the five-year maintenance cycle which allows the ferry service to remain compliant with regulatory requirements for years to come.

TfL will be actively working with a docking company in Teesside - where the work is taking place - to ensure the progress of the maintenance programme.

Ferry customers are encouraged to use alternative routes during the closure, including the Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels, and the Dartford Crossing where possible for inbound Kent traffic.

There are also no planned tunnel closures during this period.

People walking and cycling can still use the foot tunnel to cross the river and there are buses either side to help continue their journey.

Bus routes 473 and 474 run on the north side, and bus routes 161, 177, 180 and 472 run on the south side, taking customers near Woolwich town centre.

Trish Ashton, director of rail and sponsored services, said: "These planned maintenance works are vital to the ferry's continued operation and we're sorry for any disruption caused by the service's suspension.

“We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the work takes place.

"This maintenance will mean the free ferry service will continue to run safely and efficiently for years to come.

“We'd advise customers to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.”