Ryde pier to close for repairs
RYDE Pier is to close to rail traffic over the winter for major refurbishment and repairs.
Work on the Isle of Wight pier, which opened in 1880, will begin on October 30 and is due to end next spring, during which time Network Rail engineers will strengthen the pier to extend its life by up to 60 years.
NR says the closure was originally scheduled for earlier in 2022 but, due to a delay in obtaining the necessary permits, the work had to be rescheduled. The 750 yard (686 metre)long pier is split into six zones that were built using different forms of construction. There have also been both major and emergency repairs in the last 60 years. It was strengthened in 1962 when the superstructure was re-decked with new steelwork, while emergency repairs were carried out in 2012 and 2013 to extend the structure’s life.
As a result, NR says engineers will have to use a variety of methods to repair the pier, with a combination of both partial replacements and full refurbishments of the metal and timber structure.
During the closure, operator South Western Railway will run trains between Shanklin and Ryde Esplanade, with a shuttle bus along the adjacent road and pedestrian pier to connect with ferries to and from Portsmouth at Pier Head.