Island Line trains are running again between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin after a series of full and partial closures came to an end this morning (17 November). The month-long disruption allowed engineers to complete major infrastructure work on one of Britain’s most distinctive railway environments.

The focus of the project was the stretch of track between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St John’s Road, which runs through Ryde Tunnel. The tunnel is known for some of the toughest operating conditions on the network, where constant water ingress means pumps are required to keep the line clear and operational.

Alongside the rail replacement, teams delivered a range of upgrades across the route. These included installing new switches and crossings at Ryde Esplanade to improve track flexibility, refurbishing Ryde St John’s footbridge, and reinforcing fencing on Rink Road to improve safety. Engineers also tamped the line to provide a smoother ride, carried out vegetation management to reduce the impact of falling trees and seasonal leaf fall, and undertook detailed track inspections to identify further areas for improvement.

George Murrell, Wessex route renewals director for South Western Railway and Network Rail, 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: Network Rail