Full service has resumed on the Isle of Wight’s Island Line after a nine-month programme of essential repairs have been carried out on Ryde Pier.

The works, which were carried out by Octavius, were completed via the use of a tensioned access platform (TAP) – marking the first time the method has been used as a marine application in a rail project within the UK, and the second time the method has been used as part of a Network Rail scheme.

Octavius floated pre-assembled spans into position on pontoons, then used the high tide to raise the assembly up to the pier’s underside

© Octavius

The project scope included the removal and replacement of a total of 590 metres of rail, as well as the replacement of 450 wooden sleepers with fibre-reinforced foamed urethane sleepers. The works also saw the installation of 2,500 metres of new rail bearers.

Octavius Project Manager, Conor Wilcox, said:

With handing back the pier comes the satisfaction of an engaging, rewarding project delivered ahead of schedule and on budget. 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.

The half-mile long pier, which also received a full replacement of its signalling system courtesy of Octavius, acts as a gateway for passenger traffic both to and from the island.

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