Ryde Transport Interchange project

This page will bring you the latest information on the Ryde Transport Interchange.

The Isle of Wight Council working with various partners, is implementing a major scheme to improve Ryde Transport Interchange. The scheme seeks to provide better travel connectivity as well as much-improved public space for residents and visitors.

The project is primarily funded by Government grant from the Transforming Cities Fund following a successful bid by the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council (together as South East Hampshire Rapid Transport) for £55.6m million. Around £10 million of this has been awarded for the Ryde Transport Interchange improvements.

The Esplanade transport hub is being reorganised to provide more landscaped pedestrian space, following feedback from a public survey last year, and will allow buses to leave directly to George Street rather than having to turn at the Dover Street roundabout.

There will be a new dedicated cycle route and walkway through the Esplanade along with further sign posted links to and from Ladies Walk to the west and Puckpool to the east along with new street furniture and planting throughout the Esplanade area.

The project will also see a boardwalk to be built on the tramway pier by Wightlink. The refurbishment of Esplanade Station will provide a direct connection from the concourse to the boardwalk, accessible public toilets and expanded retail/café units.

To minimise disruption the works are being delivered in a number of phases over 12 months taking into account the major events. Regular updates on scheme progress and significant changes to traffic management will be released throughout the project.

Update: March 2023

Work on the highways element of the Ryde Interchange project are progressing well with an expectation that the paving on the north side of the new bus only road will be substantially complete and opened for pedestrians towards the end of the month.

From Wednesday 29^th March 2023, work on the project will move into the final phase which will affect traffic movements through the area.

From that date, we will begin approximately nine weeks of work to create a new junction at George Street and the Esplanade. The main purpose of this junction is to allow buses to travel from the new bus station directly up George Street rather than having to travel along the Esplanade and double back at the Dover Street junction to exit the town.  In addition, the work will also include new pedestrian crossings which will incorporate the latest safety features.

To allow the works to be undertaken safely, the following traffic management measures will need to be put into place:

• Esplanade, Ryde – the southern carriageway between Union Street to just west of Quay Road will be closed in a westerly direction.
• Vehicles will be diverted via Dover Street, Melville Street, Cross Street and Union Street.
• Deliveries for businesses between George Street and Dover Street can park on the north side of Esplanade at the rear of the temporary bus stand and cross at the adjacent zebra crossing.
• Deliveries for businesses between Union Street & George Street will be able to do so via a temporary loading bay accessible from the northern side of Esplanade.
• George Street, Ryde – the northern section of George Street between Esplanade and Castle Street will be closed, and the section of George Street between Melville Street and Castle Street will become two-way to provide access to residents and businesses.
• Melville Street, Ryde – will become one-way in a westerly direction from Dover Street to George Street.

You can see a map of these changes below.

Please note that the planned schedule is subject to change due to factors such as inclement weather or unexpected site conditions.

Thank you for your ongoing co-operation and we will continue to keep you updated on this project. If you have any queries, please call Island Roads on 01983 822440.