RESTORATION and repair work on Ryde’s famous pier is close to conclusion, and Network Rail says the line between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade will open no later than June 10, just in time for the start of the summer holidays and the Isle of Wight Festival.
The line along the 143-year-old pier closed in October 2022 for a programme of steelwork strengthening and track renewals, and engineers have been in the final stages of reinstating 172 metres of track and 280 sleepers following the repairs and painting of the steelwork.
During the work, the engineering teams have braved the elements however, the challenges of working in a marine environment including high tides and severe weather conditions throughout December and January, meant work had to be temporarily paused for safety reasons, extending the timeline into the spring.
Follow-up work is planned for October when travel is reduced, which will see a further 396 metres of new track and 660 sleepers laid, along with realigning the track. Signalling equipment will also be renewed during this planned closure.