Passengers using Hovertravel in Ryde will need to take a short diversion to reach the terminal as major maintenance works get underway on the footbridge, which will remain closed until the project is completed in early December.
Island Roads, working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, has begun a scheme to completely repaint the Hovertravel Footbridge and replace its main span wooden decking with more durable composite boards.
The improvements are designed to extend the life of the structure and reduce the need for future maintenance.
The work has been scheduled outside the main tourism season and largely coincides with the ongoing Island Line railway closure between Ryde St John’s Road and Ryde Pier Head.
South Western Railway services along the affected section are suspended between 31st October and 29th November to allow essential railway maintenance to take place.
With the footbridge out of use, Hovertravel passengers will need to access the terminal via Ryde Esplanade and the Hovertravel car park.
An Island Roads spokesperson has said:
“This necessary work is being undertaken outside the main tourism season and, thanks to an agreement with South Western Railway, largely at a time when trains are not operating between Ryde St John’s and Ryde Pier Head.
Article continues below this advertisement “The works require the closure of the bridge, which means that foot passengers will need to take a short diversion. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the work is essential for the ongoing upkeep of the structure.
“By replacing the wooden decking with more durable composite boards, the need for future maintenance will be reduced.”
The bridge maintenance scheme is expected to be completed in early December.
