Railway News

Final enabling works are well underway for the Portishead line

Reopening the Portishead railway line to passengers is moving closer with the final phase of enabling works now underway, paving the way for construction to start in 2026.

The multi-million-pound project was given the green light by the Department for Transport (DfT) back in July thanks to a government funding boost of over £47 million. When it opens, passenger journeys will run on the railway line for the first time in sixty years.

The reopening of the line, which was axed in the 1960s during Beeching cuts, will reduce travel times and help reduce road congestion.

New stations will be built at Portishead and Pill, with trains initially running hourly along the line to and from Bristol Temple Meads in 2028.

This new phase of preparatory works includes clearing vegetation and trees along sections of the disused line. Clearing the land will create the space needed to build temporary construction compounds, car parks, the two new stations and the railway line itself.

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: "I know trains from Portishead have been a longtime coming, which is why it’s great to be able to announce a start to works that will pave the way for construction in 2026. It is really happening!

“When journeys to Temple Meads make a return to train timetables, the reopened Portishead to Bristol line will transform our region as 50,000 people are connected back into the rail network.

“This makes the line more than just the new stations at Portishead and Pill, because when passengers finally pull into platforms at Temple Meads, they will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of onward travel.

Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset, said: “I know how important the reopening of these two stations in Pill and Portishead are to the residents of North Somerset and the understandable scepticism following years of broken promises.

“The project has resembled more a rollercoaster than a train over the past decade, but the delivery of this long-awaited train line shows what we can achieve working together. I can't wait to take that first train and I will keep pushing every step of the way to make sure delivery meets expectations.”

The clearance works follow on from comprehensive ecological works which have helped to protect local wildlife and their habitats.

To find out more go to: Portishead rail line: MetroWest Phase 1 - WEST