Island Line To Close For Improvement Works In October And November

Passengers are being warned of major disruption on the Island Line this autumn as Network Rail and South Western Railway carry out a month of improvement works.

The line will shut in two phases:

• 18 October – 3 November: Full line closure

• 3 – 15 November: Trains will only run between Ryde St Johns Road and Shanklin, while work continues in the Ryde area

• Sunday 16 November: Full line closure

• 17 November: Full service due to resume

Replacement buses will operate throughout the disruption.

The work includes:

• Replacing track switches and crossings at Ryde Esplanade

• Rail replacement through Ryde Tunnel

• Refurbishment of Ryde St Johns footbridge

• Safety fencing improvements along Rink Road

• Vegetation management and track maintenance across the line

Network Rail says the closure will allow engineers to carry out extensive repairs and inspections, with conditions in Ryde Tunnel described as “among the most extreme in the country”.

George Murrell, Wessex route renewals director, said the timing was chosen to avoid the summer season, adding:

“We know residents are frustrated with the disruption, but these works are vital to keep the line safe and reliable for years to come.”