No rail services on the Isle of Wight from 4 January to 31 March 2021

All rail services on the Isle of Wight’s ‘Island Line’ will be suspended between 4 January 2021 and 31 March 2021.

This is because South Western Railway has announced the dates of the engineering works that will be taking place on the island in advance of the introduction of its new Class 484 trains in 2021.

The biggest transformation to the line’s infrastructure since the line was electrified in 1967, the work includes the construction of a new passing loop at Brading, allowing for a regular 30-minute service, enhancements to the track to improve the quality of the ride, upgrade to platforms to improve access to the Class 484 trains, and the installation of new ticket vending machines at Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde St John’s Road.

Buses will keep passengers moving while the work takes place.

Alan Penlington, South Western Railway’s customer experience director, said: “This is a very exciting project for Island Line and will transform travel on the Isle of Wight. Whilst this work will be disruptive, we will keep our customers moving with replacement buses.

“Upon completion of this critical work, we will be introducing the Class 484 trains into service, providing modern spacious interiors, free on-board Wi-Fi, at seat charging points, and dedicated wheelchair spaces.

“The new passing loop at Brading will also allow us to run a service at regular 30-minute intervals, providing better connections to ferries to the mainland.”