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Island Line service reopens after eight months

Katie Waple
BBC News
Network Rail A picture of a Network Rail train, which has yellow detailing at the front and black panelling, is riding along a railway line, fixed above the sea on the Island Line. A pier runs alongside the line, decorated with black metal railings and people can be seen walking along the pier in the distance.Network Rail
The Island Line has been out of action since September 2024

A railway line that closed for refurbishment work has reopened after eight months.

The Isle of Wight Island Line closed in September for "intensive and complex" repair work to the Ryde Pier structure.

Network Rail said engineers had installed 590m of new rail and replace 450 worn-out wooden sleepers with new composite versions, which are more resilient in extreme weather.

George Murrell, Wessex route renewals director, said he was "delighted that full Island Line services have resumed".

Network Rail A yellow digger holding a steel girder on the railway tracks with two engineers wearing orange work overalls.Network Rail
The repairs and refurbishment have taken eight months

Mr Murrell said: "We're aware this has been a long project and I'm grateful to the support we've received and patience and understanding from businesses, residents and the wider Island community."

MP Joe Robertson said: "I'm really pleased to see Ryde Pier reopen.

"I hope that with this much-needed work now completed, there will be minimal disruption for islanders using the railway."

Network Rail Several engineers working on the railway track in orange work overalls.Network Rail
Engineers have worked in extreme weather to completed the work earlier than expected

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