Residents of the Isle of Wight should plan alternative travel as ‘vital works’ will see Island Line trains suspended once again for a 3-week period later this year.
Beginning 18th October until 3rd November, the entirety of the Island Line will be closed for vital improvements just months after its last closure at the end of April.
Following on from the full closure, parts of the line will remain closed from 3rd November to 17th November, with trains only running between Ryde St Johns and Shanklin.
The following works will be completed during the closures:
- Replacing the switches and crossings at Ryde Esplanade, which allow the trains to change track
- Replacing rail through Ryde Tunnel between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St Johns Road
- Refurbishing Ryde St Johns Footbridge
- Improving the fencing on Rink Road, Ryde to make the railway safer
- Tamping (lifting the track and consolidating and aligning the ballast beneath) along the whole line to ensure a smoother ride for customers
- Vegetation management to reduce the risk of trees falling onto the line and of leaf fall impacting services
- Detailed track inspection to check for areas that need repairs and improvement
George Murrell, Wessex Route Renewals Director, said:
“We know how important the Island Line is to the local economy, particularly during the busy summer season. We have chosen to carry out these works in the autumn to minimise their impact as much as possible.
“By having these closures, we can carry out these extensive improvements, allowing the Island Line thrive for years to come.
“During the closures, we advise customers to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys, as rail replacement buses will be in operation. We are sorry for the disruption.”
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Replacement buses will be in operation throughout this time, allowing customers to continue to travel across the Island.
for gods sake – how long does it take you lot to finish this job – endless interuptions to the trains has been going on for years.
finish the job will you FFS
Well, I guess we should be grateful they’re spending money to put right the lack of maintenance over many past years, but this is getting to be something of a habit. Treating the Island Line as something of a ‘Summertime only’ facility. This is certainly not a good way to encourage greater regular use by local residents, year round.
Looks like trains can join the floating bridge on the naughty step
I used to work with London Underground. All this sort of work was done at night. Can you imagine parts of London Underground closed for 3 weeks! Why can’t Island Line do the same. (because they are British Rail? )