Trains


have
returned
to
Ryde
pier
today,
after
the
latest
in
a
series
of
engineering
possessions
which
have
disrupted
Island
Line
services
for
several
years.

The
latest
work
meant
that
the
Victorian
pier,
which
provides
a
link
with
ferries
to
the
mainland,
had
been
closed
since
September,
while
engineers
installed
590m
of
rail,
450
sleepers
and
250m
of
rail
bearers,
which
support
the
track.

The
pier
has
always
been
under
siege
from
the
maritime
weather,
and
the
new
sleepers
are
made
of
a
composite
material
which
should
last
longer
than
the
wood
it
has
replaced.

The
first
train
departed
from
Ryde
St
Johns
at
05.23,
arriving
at
Ryde
Pier
Head
six
minutes
later,
and
the
first
service
from
Ryde
Pier
Head
to
Shanklin
left
at
06.03.

The
whole
route
between
Ryde
and
Shanklin
has
also
been
closed
for
a
week,
so
that
engineers
could
install
cable
ducts
under
the
track
at
Brading,
test
the
signals
and
remove
building
materials
from
the
pier.
Drivers
were
also
given
refresher
training.

Network
Rail
pointed
out
that
today’s
opening
is
four
days
ahead
of
schedule.

Wessex
route
renewals
director
George
Murrell
said:
‘I’m
delighted
that
full
Island
Line
services
have
resumed
this
morning,
four
days
ahead
of
schedule
and
in
time
for
the
May
Day
Bank
Holiday.
This
is
a
busy
and
important
time
for
the
Island’s
tourism
industry
in
which
the
railway
has
a
critical
role
to
play.

‘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.

‘The
Isle
of
Wight
deserves
a
safe,
reliable
and
high
performing
railway
and
the
completion
of
this
significant
and
complex
programme
of
vital
repairs
and
maintenance
will
greatly
support
us
in
meeting
this
aspiration.

‘I’d
also
like
to
pay
tribute
to
the
many
engineers
and
colleagues
who
have
worked
so
hard
and
in
all
manner
of
weather
conditions
to
complete
this
important
work
ahead
of
schedule.’

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