A vital link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland has been fully restored following the completion of a major £11.5 million repair project to Ryde Pier. This offers a significant boost to the island's tourism and transport infrastructure. The completion marks the full return of the Island Line rail service, which had been partially suspended while works were carried out.

Ryde Pier, Britain’s oldest seaside pier and a key transport hub for the Isle of Wight, extends 800 metres into the Solent and connects ferry passengers arriving from Portsmouth with the island’s railway. The newly completed works are expected to significantly enhance the resilience and efficiency of this critical gateway for residents and visitors alike.

The nine-month refurbishment programme was led by contractor Octavius under the One Team Wessex framework with Network Rail.

Several pioneering engineering techniques were deployed in the project, including the first-ever use of a tensioned access platform in a UK marine rail setting.

This innovative method replaced traditional scaffolding and allowed engineers to work more efficiently beneath the pier structure, ultimately saving both time and money.

In areas where scaffolding was necessary, Octavius worked with the tide, floating pre-assembled spans into position on pontoons and using high tide to lift them into place.

“With handing back the pier comes the satisfaction of an engaging, rewarding project delivered ahead of schedule and on budget,” said Conor Wilcox, Project Manager at Octavius.

“In addition to the trains running along the pier once more, Ryde’s legacy includes innovations that have taken on a life beyond this project.”

To maintain vital links between ferry and rail services during the project, a minibus shuttle ran between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade.

The completion of the works now allows trains to once again run the full length of the Island Line, delivering long-awaited convenience for commuters and tourists.

The reopening is a much-needed uplift for Ryde, being a traditional seaside town that relies heavily on tourism and seasonal footfall.

The newly upgraded pier ensures a smoother, safer journey for thousands of annual passengers and reinforces Ryde’s role as a key transport and tourism hub for the Isle of Wight.