Island Line will close for more than 2 weeks from tomorrow (Saturday) as engineers begin a major programme of track and signalling improvements, with replacement buses operating between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex will carry out essential maintenance between 31st October and 15th November, before a further partial closure lasting until 29th November.
The works will see ageing infrastructure renewed, track repairs undertaken and rail alignment improved in a bid to reduce delays and improve reliability for passengers travelling across the Isle of Wight.
During the initial 16-day closure, trains will not operate anywhere on the Island Line, with replacement buses running between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade, as well as between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin via Ryde St John’s Road, Brading, Sandown and Lake.
A second phase of improvements will take place between Monday 16th November and Sunday 29th November, when engineers will install 700 metres of new track between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde St John’s Road.
During this period, replacement buses will operate between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St John’s Road, while trains will continue running between Ryde St John’s Road and Shanklin.
Ryde St John’s Road station and its car park will also be closed between 31st October and 15th November, with temporary offices being installed for engineers working on the project.
As part of the improvements, 30 track panels removed from the Island Line will be donated to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, supporting the heritage railway which operates from Smallbrook Junction.
Mark Dunn, Island Line General Manager for South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, has said:
“We’re thankful to our customers for their patience while we carry out these essential works throughout November.
“These annual line closures allow us to carry out a large programme of maintenance and improvement work that will keep customers moving for the rest of the year, particularly during the busy summer months.”
