The railway on the Isle of Wight will be closing again in September, so that engineers can carry out more work on the Victorian Ryde Pier, which has been closed at various times for upgrades and maintenance since October 2022.
Although trains will only be replaced by buses between Ryde and Shanklin for a month from 6 September, Ryde Pier will not open to rail traffic again until May next year.
Network Rail said engineers would be completing a ‘large programme of vital maintenance’, which will include track and bridge renewals between Ryde St Johns Road and Ryde Pier Head, renovations to an historic footbridge at Brading, signalling works at Ryde and bridge repairs in Sandown.
A minibus shuttle service will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade throughout the winter and early spring, while train services will operate every 30 minutes between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.
Network Rail infrastructure director Tom McNamee said: ‘Part of the track and infrastructure on the Island Line has become life-expired and extreme weather is contributing to the acceleration of the degradation of the railway.
‘Our planned maintenance will ensure we’re able to keep running services safely and reliably while our ongoing programme of upgrades to the steel structure and track between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade stations will preserve and strengthen the track and infrastructure for future generations.
‘We recognise there is never a convenient time to close the line, but we have waited to do so until after the important summer period and we would like to thank local residents, businesses and customers in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this important work.’