SUBJECT to the avoidance of further severe weather, Network Rail says it anticipates the work to strengthen Ryde Pier will be completed in the late spring.
The 750 yard (683 metre) Victorian pier closed in October 2022 to refurbish and strengthen the structure. However, engineers were faced with many unexpected challenges with severe weather in December and January forcing a pause on the work due to safety concerns. This meant the programme has been extended further into the spring.
In addition to the refurbishment of the pier’s steelwork, platform improvements at Ryde Esplanade are planned, as is some track maintenance.
Despite the revised timescales, from April 2, the Island Line will finally begin a two trains per hour operation between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin. Until the line along the pier reopens, a minibus provides a connection between Esplanade and Pier Head.