Island Line Improvements

We’re making improvements to the Island Line so that passengers can enjoy the benefits of a reliable railway, linking the Isle of Wight and the mainland.

On Friday 2 May 2025 we re-opened Ryde Pier Head station following an 8-month closure for critical work on the railway pier to allow passenger trains to continue to run safely to the ferry port.

Work was completed 4 days ahead of schedule and in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. This is an important time for both holiday makers and the Island economy, and we worked hard to make this happen.

What did we do?

During the 8-month closure, we have worked on the metal structure that supports the pier. We’ve replaced old steel bearers, grit blasting the steel columns to remove corrosion that was weakening the structure, as well as then spraying three coats of anti-corrosive paint onto the bare steel. These repairs give another 60 years of life to the 145-year-old pier.

On top of the pier we replaced the old bull head rail with 113lb rail, which creates less wear and tear on the wheels of the ex-London Underground rolling stock that operates on the island.

Under the tracks, we installed 896 FFU synthetic sleepers. These sleepers, as opposed to their old wooden counterparts, do not expand and contract in the changing humidity of the day, making them perfect for the pier’s maritime environment. These sleepers last 35 years longer than their wooden counterparts, meaning less disruption to passengers as we won’t close the railway as often to replace them.

As part of our work, we recycled 500 sleepers and 1080 metres of track and donated them to the Island’s steam railway. Check out the video below to learn more about how we work with the steam railway to improve sustainability on the Island.

Why was this work needed?

This important work means that passengers can continue to enjoy a railway service on the island well into the future.

What’s next for the Island Line?

Network Rail and South Western Railway will continue to maintain the Island Line to make sure that passengers on the island can continue to benefit from an on-time railway, maintaining and upgrading the Island’s infrastructure to make sure it is up to modern standards.

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.