Hythe Pier: First phase of restoration project complete

Members of Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) have replaced 45 metres of track at the shore end of the 640m structure, plus the points and sidings.

Work started during the summer of 2022, when the platform next to the Hythe Ferry ticket office was temporarily closed.

New points are unloaded during a project to replace part of the railway track on Hythe Pier (Image: Alan Titheridge)

A HPHA spokesperson said: "Progress was subsequently delayed by an assortment of issues, including planning applications centred around the removal of a non-functioning Victorian beam.

"The issue was eventually resolved with HPHA installing a new support beam alongside the original one, which received long-term protection with several coats of a high-quality paint.

"The installation of the new beam allowed HPHA to proceed with the removal of the existing track and decking.

"At the beginning of December, new rails, points, and buffers were unloaded from an articulated vehicle and craned into position over the ticket office roof."

New track has been laid at the shore end of Hythe Pier. The train takes passengers to and from the Hythe Ferry (Image: John Greenwood)

At one point the electrified third rail was removed ahead of its replacement, causing a short suspension of services.

"Train staff reverted to using the former method of transporting bulky passenger luggage and goods to the ferry by handcart, as was the way before the introduction of the railway in 1922.

"Long after darkness fell, final checks were carried out.

"The contract manager was satisfied all was in order, and the railway resumed in time for the late afternoon commuter rush. The whole installation was effected in just four days."

READ MORE: Railway track that runs along Hythe Pier is set to be replaced

Work to replace railway track at the shore end of Hythe Pier was carried out in driving rain (Image: John Greenwood)

The work was funded by HPHA and carried out by Herefordshire-based narrow gauge railway experts Alan Keef Ltd.

Alice Keef said: "Alan Keef Ltd has been involved with Hythe Pier railway since the 1980s and has developed a 'soft spot' for this unique transport system.

"We were very excited to be involved in the first of hopefully a series of major track works to replace life-expired materials to secure the long-term future of the railway.

"The first stage was a long time coming because of the delays for additional structural work."

Referring to the train's distinctive sound, Ms Keef said any future works would remove the 'audible heartbeat' of Hythe but would "strengthen the pulse of the railway for the future".

The train will continue to operate from the temporary platform until the new one is installed early in 2024.