News - 21/12/16

The Isle of Wight Council issued a press release on Tuesday, 20th December regarding changes to the floating bridge (Chain Ferry) over Christmas and the New Year: 

Residents are being reminded of changes to the floating bridge service over Christmas and into the new year as preparations get underway for the arrival of the brand new £3.5 million vessel in spring next year. 

The current floating bridge will make its last crossing at approximately 12.30am (from East Cowes to Cowes) in the early hours of Tuesday, 3rd January, before being retired from service. A replacement passenger launch, which will also carry bicycles, will be in operation from 5am on Tuesday, 3rd January until the new floating bridge commences service in late March 2017. Vehicles will be diverted via Newport during this time. 

Extensive works will be undertaken in the new year to reposition chains and construct a new chain pit, resurface both slipways (please bear in mind that the tides restrict the amount of time the slipways can be worked on, which accounts for the amount of time allocated for this work), alter pedestrian footways on both sides and relocate ticket machines.

The amended Christmas and new year operating schedule is as follows:

Christmas Eve – 5am to 12.30am (next day)
Christmas Day – 6.30am to 12.30am (next day)
Boxing Day – 6.30am to 12.30am (next day)
27th December – 6.30am to 12.30am (next day)
28th December – 5am to 12.30am (next day)
29th December – 5am to 12.30am (next day)
30th December – 5am to 12.30am (next day)
New Year’s Eve – 5am to 1.30am** (next day)
New Year’s Day – 6.30am to 12.30am (next day)
2 January – 6.30am to 12.30am (next day)

** Last crossing from East Cowes 1.10am, last crossing from West Cowes 1.20am

From Tuesday, 3rd January 2017, the following timetable will be in operation:

Monday to Friday:

First crossing from Cowes: 5am
First crossing from East Cowes: 5.10am

A continuous service will run until 10.30pm

Last Crossing from Cowes: 10pm
Last Crossing from East Cowes: 10.25pm

Saturdays and Sundays:

First crossing from Cowes: 7.30am
First crossing from East Cowes: 7.40am

A continuous service will run until 10.30pm

Last Crossing from Cowes: 10.20pm
Last Crossing from East Cowes: 10.25pm