Ryde Pier has been closed to Island Line since October 2022, whilst works to repair and replace the track have taken place.
Network Rail have previously said that they intend for the line to be reopened in late Spring, but won’t commit to a specific date.
The long-standing local BBC South transport reporter, Paul Clifton, reported from the pier today that, “Realistically I think that is at least June.”
The impact of this would be that those arriving or seeking to leave on Wightlink’s FastCat will continue to have to walk/get a lift up/down the pier.
Network Rail say “late Spring”
The midday BBC Solent radio news reported that Chris Cornish from Network Rail told the BBC the service would resume in late Spring.
He told the BBC,
“We chose to undertake these works during the winter months, despite the weather challenges that we were going to face. We actively chose not to undertake them in the summer, when it would be easier, because of the disruption that it would cause to the Island and tourism, which is such a big interest.”
Only time will tell whether the track permanently reopens in Spring or later.
For more information about Island Line, check News OnTheWight’s Island Line archive.
