The cost to reopen the Somerset railway line between Bristol and Portishead has surged to nearly £200 million. Government officials have authorized an additional £14.69 million for the project, which is already in progress. Vegetation clearance along the three-mile route has been completed, and construction has started on new stations in Pill and Portishead.
Since January 2025, the estimated cost has risen by nearly £50 million. Initially projected at £152.01 million, inflation and escalating expenses pushed the estimate to £182.21 million by July 2025. Following the tender process and contractor negotiations for track infrastructure, civil engineering, and signaling, the budget has climbed further to £196.9 million.
The Portishead Line, closed under the Beeching Cuts in 1964, is being reopened after decades of campaigning. The project faced uncertainty after the Labour government elected in 2024 abolished the Restoring Your Railway fund, which was expected to support its financing.
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Following a review, the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council agreed to cover a £30 million funding gap, bringing the budget to £182.21 million. The government subsequently recommitted to funding the project and agreed to cover any future cost increases. The latest £14.69 million increase is the first major additional cost since that agreement.
To date, the government’s contribution totals £62.17 million. The West of England Combined Authority has provided £66.34 million from various sources, while North Somerset Council has contributed £68.39 million. North Somerset’s funding primarily comes from long-term borrowing via the economic development fund, which shields taxpayers from direct costs as council tax cannot be used for infrastructure projects.
These financial details will be presented at the full North Somerset Council meeting on April 21, where councillors are expected to formally recognize the government’s additional funding in the capital budget.
Recently, Network Rail hosted public information events in Portishead and Pill to update residents on the progress of the works. Train services between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads are anticipated to begin by 2028 or 2029, operating on an hourly schedule.