Island Line Improvements
From Saturday 18 October until Monday 17 November 2025, we will be carrying out essential renewal work on the railway on the Isle of Wight.
In order to complete these works, the whole Island Line will be closed from Saturday 18 October to Monday 3 November 2025. From Monday 3 to Monday 17 November, trains will only run between Ryde St Johns Road and Shanklin, while additional upgrades are carried out in the Ryde area.
What are we doing?
During the closures, engineers will complete the following works:
- Replacing the switches and crossings at Ryde Esplanade, which allow the trains to change track
- Replacing rail through Ryde Tunnel between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St Johns Road
- Refurbishing Ryde St Johns Footbridge
- Improving the fencing on Rink Road, Ryde to make the railway safer
- Tamping (lifting the track and consolidating and aligning the ballast beneath) along the whole line to ensure a smoother ride for customers
- Vegetation management to reduce the risk of trees falling onto the line and of leaf fall impacting services
- Detailed track inspection to check for areas that need repairs and improvement
- Work will continue underneath Ryde Pier, strengthening the metallic structure to prolong its life.
Why is this work needed?
We need to carry out this work to ensure that the Island continues to have a functioning railway, serving passengers from the ferry port to the South East of the island, and keeping islanders well connected to the mainline.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.