• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Tuesday February 11 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Government gives go-ahead for Portishead railway line to reopen with two new stations

A scheme to reopen the Portishead rail line between the seaside town and Bristol have been given the go-ahead by the government.

The project will include the construction of new stations at Portishead and Pill and will reconnect the communities – already popular with Bristol commuters – by rail to Bristol Temple Meads station for the first time since 1964, when Beeching swung his axe.

The reopening of the railway will slash travel times in half, reduce car commuting by 5.5 per cent – or 8 million car journeys a year – and unlock an estimated £43 million in economic growth each year, according to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The decision paves the way for construction to begin this summer.

Metro mayor Dan Norris (pictured) said: “This is a massive moment for the West of England: one that generations have eagerly waited to see.

“This is great news for residents, businesses, and our environment – and a truly red-letter day for our fantastic region.

“The Bristol & Portishead Line was a victim of historic rail cuts, but with a Labour government and a Labour mayor, we’re delivering the latest stage of my ‘reverse Beeching’ plan. I’m delighted to confirm that this project is now finally steaming ahead.”

The Combined Authority has invested £25 million into the project to date. The final £30 million boost to ensure that the long-awaited reopening becomes a reality will be ratified in March at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Committee. This includes a contribution from North Somerset Council.

Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for major projects said: “The Portishead to Bristol rail line stands to be transformative for North Somerset and the wider area, connecting 50,000 people back into the rail network through regular and sustainable transport whilst offering access to the opportunities of growth across the southwest.

“Working in partnership with West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Department for Transport and Network Rail, we have put in the hard work and were the country’s first passenger rail scheme to secure a Development Consent Order to re-open a branch line.

“Together, we have risen to challenges of rising costs, understanding the value that these train services will offer to our communities. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their effort to date and look forward continuing our work to get the first trains up and running.”

Latest: Portishead rail project secured with £27 million from government