As work continues in Ryde, redesigning the Isle of Wight gateway town, a new phase in the project is about to start.

From today (Tuesday, September 13), there will be temporary changes to Ryde bus station, which means passengers will need to board buses at one of two alternative locations (details below).

The work was due to start yesterday (Monday).

Most work will be in the current bus station site itself and will not mean significant changes for traffic and Island Line passengers, but nine resident parking bays outside Solent Court will be unavailable and permit holders are being asked to use Quay Road car park instead

What do Isle of Wight bus passengers need to know about the Ryde Esplanade changes? 

From today, Southern Vectis buses stopping on Ryde Esplanade will use temporary stands, instead of Ryde bus station.

Routes 4, 9 and 37 will move to the Rose Garden.

Routes 2, 3, 8, as well as the Island Coaster and the Downs Breezer, will move to the Esplanade - on the opposite side of the road. 

Ryde Travel Shop will be open as usual.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The work underway in Ryde, photographed late in August.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Eventually, the changes will allow buses to move in and out more safely and efficiently and will also mean buses can travel up George Street, rather than along the Esplanade then back, via Dover Street, say those behind the project.

The Isle of Wight Council, Wightlink, Southern Vectis and Island Line and its franchise holder, South Western Railway, are collaborating on the project which they say will mean better travel connectivity and improved public space.

The work, which started in April, as previously reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, is being paid for with a government grant, from the Transforming Cities Fund.

Read more:

Isle of Wight County Press:

The entire project is scheduled to finish in the spring.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "I am pleased this important project is progressing well.

"This new element will help us in our goal of making visiting — and travelling through — Ryde Esplanade a greatly-improved experience."