MAJOR engineering works will take place on the Island Line and Ryde Pier starting from today (Friday, September 6).

The Island Line route will close in its entirety until Sunday, October 6, between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, while Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) engineers complete a major programme of maintenance.

The scheme, described by both companies as vital in "futureproofing the service", includes track and bridge renewals between Ryde St Johns Road and Ryde Pier Head stations, together with renovations to a historic footbridge at Brading, signalling works at Ryde and bridge repairs in Sandown.

Read more: Isle of Wight Island Line train works and travel disruption apology

Rail replacement bus services will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin throughout the closure.

Engineers will also continue work to repair and preserve the historic Ryde Pier structure, which began in October 2022.

The pier will close to trains tomorrow and is expected to reopen in early May next year, in time for the summer season.

To maintain connections with ferry services, a minibus shuttle service will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade throughout the closure.

Train services will operate every 30 minutes between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin, from October 7.

Route infrastructure director Tom McNamee, of Network Rail Wessex, said: “Part of the track and infrastructure on the Island Line has become 'life-expired', with extreme weather contributing to the acceleration of the degradation of the railway.

“Our planned maintenance will ensure we’re able to keep running services safely and reliably, while our ongoing programme of upgrades to the steel structure and track, between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade stations, will preserve and strengthen the track and infrastructure for future generations.

“We recognise there is never a convenient time to close the line, but we have waited to do so until after the important summer period and we would like to thank residents, businesses and customers in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this important work.”

Mark Dunn, Island Line's general manager, offered his apologies for the disruption the works will cause, but stressed it was vital the work is completed to ensure Island Line's longevity.

“Due to the complex nature of the repairs and refurbishments at Ryde Pier, to give the historic structure a further 60 years of use, a further long-term closure is required," he added.