Footpaths cut off by Island Line train testing safety fears

There is currently no date for them to reopen - which means the footpaths that cross the line between Ryde and Brading are also effectively closed.

Operator South Western Railway has put the closures in place as part of delayed improvement work on the line, said the Isle of Wight Council.

It said it was because it was not currently safe for pedestrians to use, during testing of the new trains.  

In pictures: New train spotted on Island Line tracks

The Pig Leg Lane crossing.

County Hall says it expects the crossings to reopen, but it doesn't know when.

Some concerned Islanders had raised unconfirmed fears that the problem may be with visibility from the replacement train carriages.

The new trains are supposed to be up and running by now, but software problems and Covid-19 have delayed the launch and no new start date has been confirmed. 

Instead, replacement buses have been increased.

There are no short or easy off-road diversions to avoid the closures.

However, at Brading, Quay Lane bridge can be used to get between Brading and Brading Marshes.

The current affected crossings are:

Pig Leg Lane level crossing, Ryde – Public Footpath R52a runs between Ashey Road/ Rosemary Lane across the railway line to Nicholson Road / Great Preston Road

Barnes level crossing, Brading – Public Footpath B69 was already closed because of the works at Brading Station and connects Brading Station to Yarbridge.

Jones level crossing, Brading – Public Footpath B36 runs between the Lower Furlongs Estate at Brading across the railway to Brading Marshes.

Vicarage Lane level crossing, Brading – Public Footpath B4 /B4a runs between Brading High Street/Vicarage Lane across the railway to Brading Marshes.