Island Line services between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin resumed this morning (17 November) following a mix of full and partial closures over the past month.
During this time, engineers replaced the rail between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St John’s Road, through Ryde Tunnel. Conditions in Ryde Tunnel are some of the most extreme in the country with pumps needed to keep the line dry.
Engineers also carried out the following works:
- Replacing the switches and crossings, which allow the trains to change track, at Ryde Esplanade
- Refurbishing Ryde St John’s Footbridge
- Improving the fencing on Rink Road, Ryde to make the railway safer
- Tamping, lifting the track over the ballast, along the whole line to ensure a smoother ride for passengers
- Vegetation management to reduce the risk of trees falling onto the line and leaffall impacting services
- Detailed track inspection to check for areas that need repairs and improvement
Speaking on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail, George Murrell, Wessex route renewals director, said:
“We would like to thank passengers for their patience over the past month while we carried out these vital improvements on the Isle of Wight. By having the whole line closed, we have been able to carry out extensive maintenance and assessments over the whole line and can make immediate improvements where possible.”
Image credit: Network Rail
