Drone footage shows the soon-to-be completed new walkway on the Isle of Wight's historic Ryde Pier.

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Works are being done to turn the unused tramway, which sits between the roadway and train line, into a dedicated area for pedestrians.

Wightlink has revealed the project is approaching its last phase, with handrails and shelters being installed along the tramway.

Decking has been laid about a third of the way up the pier, the ferry firm has said.

Read more: Isle of Wight's Ryde Pier Head train station reopening date confirmed

The tramway was built in 1864 for horse-drawn trams to take ferry passengers to the Esplanade.

Later, steam, electric and diesel-powered trams were used but it was closed in 1969.

As part of the improvements, the surface steelwork is being replaced but the cast-iron piles underneath are in good condition and are being kept.

Works are expected to be finished in late spring/early summer.


(Video by Photography Rue)

Meanwhile, separate renovations on the adjacent train line are also nearing completion.

The 143-year-old, 686-metre-long Victorian pier has been closed to Island Line services since October, 2022, for a programme of steelwork strengthening and track renewals.

Engineers are reinstating 172 metres of track and 280 sleepers following the repairs and painting of the steelwork.

Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) has confirmed the station and line will open no later than June 10, in time for both the start of the summer holidays and the Isle of Wight Festival.