Island Line has resumed its service to Ryde Pier Head for the first time since October 2022.
The works to strengthen the 686-metre-long Victorian pier – that was built in 1880 – have been ongoing since Autumn 2022.
Long delays
However, bad weather, which affected the use of the scaffolding that engineers relied upon, meant the project was delayed by around three months.
South Western Railway says the line between Esplanade and Pier Head will be closed again later in the year to complete the works – ensuring another 60 years’ life for the Pier.
Network Rail have produced this short video to mark the event.
Two trains per hour … sort of
The latest timetable (see below) shows two trains per hour between Shanklin and Ryde Esplanade, but only one an hour going up and down the Pier.
News OnTheWight has asked SWR for details of when two trains per hour will connect the Esplanade with the Pier Head.
A South Western Railway spokesperson told News OnTheWight,
“Two trains an hour run between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin with one of these services extended to Ryde Pierhead to meet the Wightlink Fast Cat.
“We’re working with our colleagues at Network Rail at the moment to work out the best date to close the pier again so that the repairs can be completed. As soon as it’s confirmed we’ll be letting customers know.”
We’ve asked for clarification of when the franchise commitment was changed from two trains an hour between Shanklin and Ryde Pier Head, to just one an hour and will update once we hear back.
Article edit
5.45pm 10th Jul 2023 – Comment from SWR spokesperson added
Image: © With kind permission of Dominic Blake – BBC Radio Solent
