A major maintenance scheme on the Hovertravel Footbridge in Ryde is now underway.

The work by Island Roads, working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, will see the structure completely repainted and its main span wooden deck replaced with more durable composite boards. The project is due to be completed in early December.

The improvements are being undertaken outside of the main tourism season and largely during the South Western Railway ‘blockade’, when services between Ryde St John’s and Ryde Pier Head are suspended from October 31 to November 29 for railway maintenance.

With the bridge out of use during the maintenance work, hovercraft passengers will need to access the terminal via the Esplanade and the Hovertravel car park.

An Island Roads spokesperson said: “This necessary work is being undertaken outside the main tourism season and, thanks to an agreement with South Western Railway, largely at a time when trains are not operating between Ryde St John’s and Ryde Pier Head.

“The works require the closure of the bridge, which means that foot passengers will need to take a short diversion. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the work is essential for the ongoing upkeep of the structure. By replacing the wooden decking with more durable composite boards, the need for future maintenance will be reduced.”

For more on the rail blockade please see