Important Travel Update: Island Line and Ryde Pier Maintenance

From Friday, September 6, to Sunday, October 6, the Island Line will be closed from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin. Network Rail and South West Railway engineers are conducting vital maintenance during this period.

These essential works include track and bridge renewals between Ryde St Johns Road and Ryde Pier Head, renovations to the historic footbridge at Brading, signaling improvements at Ryde, and bridge repairs in Sandown. Rail replacement bus services will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin throughout the closure.

For travelers, this means some adjustments will be necessary. Engineers will also continue work on the historic Ryde Pier structure, which started in October 2022. The pier will close to trains on Friday, September 6, 2024, and is expected to reopen in early May 2025, just in time for the summer holiday season.

To ensure connections with ferry services, a minibus shuttle service will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade during the closure. Additionally, train services will run every 30 minutes between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.

The maintenance, emphasized by Network Rail Infrastructure Director Tom McNamee, is crucial due to the aging track and infrastructure on the Island Line, which have been further affected by extreme weather conditions. The planned work will enhance safety and reliability, preserving the track and infrastructure for future use. Although there is no ideal time for such closures, scheduling this work after the summer peak aims to minimize inconvenience for travelers. Local residents, businesses, and customers are thanked in advance for their patience and understanding.

According to Mark Dunn, Island Line General Manager, the month-long closure, while disruptive, is essential for the long-term operation of the Island Line. The complex repairs and refurbishments at Ryde Pier are designed to extend the structure's life by another 60 years. Consequently, buses will replace trains between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade for approximately eight months, from September 2024 to May 2025. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and check for updates during this period.