Project Name

Ryde Transport Hub: Transforming a Seaside Gateway.

Delivered by

Ringway Island Roads, Ringway Infrastructure Services, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Hampshire County Council.

Location

Ryde Esplanade, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

CIHT Award

This project won the CIHT Creating Better Places award

A New Chapter for Ryde Esplanade

Imagine stepping off a ferry, train, or bus and finding yourself in a space that feels safe, welcoming, and full of life. That’s the transformation the Ryde Esplanade Transport Hub has brought to the Isle of Wight’s busiest gateway.

The Esplanade needed to be safer, greener, and more welcoming as it was dominated by traffic, tricky bus manoeuvres, and outdated public spaces, making it less appealing for visitors and harder to navigate for locals.

The Esplanade is now a place where people come first, with safer crossings, better cycle links, and a fresh, vibrant public realm that connects seamlessly with local transport and the town centre.

Overcoming Challenges

The project aimed to reduce vehicle dominance, enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, improve bus operations, create a vibrant public space and keep transport services and local businesses running smoothly during and after the work was completed. Delivering this vision meant tackling multiple complexities, such as:

• Redesigning the whole layout of Ryde Transport Hub to make bus movements safer
• Upgrading outdated public spaces while maintaining access to ferries, trains, and roads
• Navigating utility diversions and buried historical structures
• Coordinating construction around major public events on the seafront
• Keeping the community engaged and supportive throughout

Teamwork Behind Success

Overcoming these challenges required teamwork, from regional directors and project managers to design specialists and engineers, the Ryde Transport Hub was a collaborative effort. The entire team worked closely with community leaders and formed strong partnerships across councils, contractors, and transport operators along with community engagement to keep residents and businesses informed and involved.

Clever design improved traffic flow, safety, and public space quality, while careful planning balanced heritage, sustainability, modern transport needs and safety around very busy ferry, train, and bus services.

Standout Innovation in Action

Environmental responsibility and smart technology were built into every stage of construction. For those considering a career in highways and transportation, this project shows how creativity, collaboration, and engineering can transform communities, change how they experience the world around them and leave a legacy that benefits people for decades. Part of the project was to use smart and sustainable construction materials, to achieve this, the team:

• Reused treated recycled materials and repurposed demolition waste
• Integrated digital passenger information systems to improve commuter experience
• Prioritised active travel by making walking and cycling safer and more appealing

Standout Achievements

• 440 metres of new cycle lanes linking the Esplanade with local cycling routes.
• Multiple signalised and tactile crossings to make travel safer and more inclusive.
• Refurbished station facilities improving the arrival experience for passengers.
• New street furniture and planting to create a welcoming, vibrant public realm.
• Real-time digital travel information at bus shelters to make journeys easier.
• Sustainable construction approach, reusing treated recycled materials and repurposing demolition waste.
• Active travel prioritised, making walking and cycling safer and more appealing.
• Successfully kept transport services and local businesses operating during construction.

Why This Project Mattered

The Ryde Transport Hub project completely re-shaped the character of the Ryde Esplanade Transport Hub, making travel safer, greener, and more enjoyable. The project supported local economies and community life, while bringing people together through thoughtful, inclusive designs.

Can you see yourself working on a project like this?

For anyone considering a career in transport, this project shows that you can be part of something that challenges you, excites you, and leaves a real mark on society. A career in highways and transportation can take you anywhere, from your local community to the global stage. Your skills could be the reason the world keeps moving.

Careers in Highways and Transportation

A career in highways and transportation can take you anywhere, from your local community to the global stage. Want to be the reason the world keeps moving? Explore a career in highways and transportation. (insert link back to new careers page).