Island Line to Close this Autumn for Major Engineering Works

Island Line, which operates services between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin stations on the Isle of Wight, is set to undergo a series of closures for vital maintenance in the latter half of this year and into spring 2025.

The work will take place in two stages.

The whole line will be closed for a month-long period starting Friday 6 September 2024 and ending Sunday 6 October 2024. Rail replacement bus services will be in operation for travellers during this time.

This will provide the time needed by Network Rail and South Western Railways' engineers to complete the necessary maintenance and repairs.

The programme of work will include renovations to the footbridge at Brading, signalling work and track and bridge renewals in the Ryde area, and bridge repairs in Sandown.

Rail services will then partially resume in October, with a service every 30 minutes between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.

However, services to Ryde Pier Head will remain suspended. Engineers will be continuing work to preserve the structure of the pier that have been in progress since 2022.

The works are forecast to conclude in May 2025, but in the meantime a minibus shuttle service will be made available between the esplanade and the pier to maintain the connection with ferry services.

Mark Dunn, General Manager of the Island Line, apologised for the disruption the line closures would inevitably bring, but emphasised the necessity of the works.

“We’re sorry for the disruption that this month-long closure of the Island Line will cause our customers, however, it is vital that this wide range of work is completed to ensure that the Island Line can operate long into the future.

“Due to the complex nature of the repairs and refurbishments at Ryde Pier, which aims to give the historic structure a further 60 years of use, a further long-term closure is required.

“Once again we’re sorry for the disruption that our customers and stakeholders on the Island will experience, and we thank them for their continued patience.”

Mark Dunn, General Manager, Island Line

Since 2007, the operation of National Rail services on the Isle of Wight have been included in the South Western franchise. That franchise was awarded by the Department for Transport to South Western Railway, owned by First Group and MTR Corporation, in March 2017, and the award was extended to May 2025 in February last year. The line consists of eight stations connecting the East of the island.

Passengers and locals can request more information from Network Rail's national helpline at 03457 11 41 41.