Island Line services between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin resumed this morning (17 November) following a month of full and partial closures to allow essential engineering works.
During the closure, teams undertook a significant programme of improvements, including rail replacement between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St John’s Road through Ryde Tunnel—one of the most challenging environments on the network. The tunnel’s extreme conditions require constant pumping to keep the line dry, making this work particularly complex.
Key upgrades delivered include:
- Switches and crossings renewal at Ryde Esplanade to maintain reliable train movements.
- Refurbishment of Ryde St John’s footbridge, improving safety and accessibility.
- Enhanced fencing along Rink Road, Ryde, to strengthen railway security.
- Comprehensive tamping across the line for a smoother passenger experience.
- Vegetation management to reduce risks from falling trees and leaf-fall disruption.
- Detailed track inspections to identify and address areas needing repair or improvement.
Speaking on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail, George Murrell, Wessex route renewals director, said:
“We would like to thank passengers for their patience over the past month while we carried out these vital improvements on the Isle of Wight. By having the whole line closed, we have been able to carry out extensive maintenance and assessments over the whole line and can make immediate improvements where possible.”
Image & Video credit: Network Rail
