South Western Railway (SWR) services have resumed after a month-long closure of the Island Line for essential maintenance.
During this period, Network Rail and SWR collaborated on a range of critical maintenance tasks, including:
- Laying 110 meters of new track at Ryde Esplanade station using composite sleepers, which are more durable in the coastal environment and expected to last at least 60 years.
- Installing approximately 48 new rail bearers over a 65-meter stretch from Ryde Esplanade towards Ryde Pierhead, and updating the signalling system to allow trains to run between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.
- Realigning the track at Ryde Esplanade station to reduce the gap between the train and platform, and renewing part of the track at Smallbrook Junction.
- Replacing bridge decks at Park and Rink Road bridges, along with bridge repairs in Sandown.
- Renovating the historic footbridge at Brading.
The focus now shifts to the ongoing repair and preservation of the historic Ryde Pier structure, which began in October 2022. The pier will remain closed to trains until its expected reopening in early May 2025, just in time for the summer holiday season.
Tom McNamee, Network Rail Wessex Route Infrastructure Director, said: “We’re delighted to have completed an important programme of maintenance on the Island Line over the past month, alongside our SWR colleagues.
“All of our focus now turns to continuing life extension work to the Ryde Pier structure which presents a unique and challenging working environment for our engineers. We recognise closing this stretch of track between Ryde Pierhead and Ryde Esplanade will be disruptive to passengers, however continuing this work is imperative for the continued safe and reliable running of Island Line services.
“We’re committed to ensuring future generations of passengers can continue to benefit from this important railway on the Isle of Wight and we’d like to passengers, residents and businesses who for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Neil Drury, South Western Railway Engineering and Infrastructure Director, said: “We would like to thank our customers for their patience over the last month. The improvements and maintenance we have carried out alongside our colleagues at Network Rail will ensure that Island Line services can run long into the future.
“Our focus now switches to Ryde pier and the continuation of life extension work, which is a complex project that will close that section of the line until May 2025. During the closure, a minibus service will run between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade. Trains will run between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin every 30 minutes.”
Image and video credit: Network Rail
