The cost of reopening the Somerset railway line connecting Bristol and Portishead has surged to nearly £200 million. Government ministers recently approved an additional £14.69 million for the project, reflecting the ongoing escalation in expenses.
Work on the line is already in progress, with vegetation cleared along the three-mile route and construction compounds established at the new stations in Pill and Portishead. However, since January 2025, the project’s budget has ballooned by almost £50 million, rising from an initial estimate of £152.01 million to £196.9 million.
This latest increase follows the tendering process and contractor negotiations for key elements such as track infrastructure, civil engineering, and signaling systems. The Portishead Line, closed to passengers in 1964 as part of the Beeching Cuts, is being revived after decades of campaigning.
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The project faced uncertainty after the 2024 election when the incoming Labour government scrapped the Restoring Your Railway fund, initially earmarked to help finance the reopening. After a review, local authorities—the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council—committed to covering a £30 million funding gap, prompting the government to resume its support and agree to cover further cost increases.
To date, the Department for Transport has contributed £62.17 million toward the project. The West of England Combined Authority has provided £66.34 million, while North Somerset Council has committed £68.39 million. North Somerset Council’s share is primarily financed through long-term borrowing from its economic development fund, ensuring these costs will not impact council taxpayers.
Details of the revised costs will be presented at a North Somerset Council meeting on April 21. Although the government is funding the latest increase, councillors must formally approve the amended capital budget.
Recently, Network Rail has engaged with local residents through public information events in Portishead and Pill, providing updates on the ongoing work.
Once completed, trains will run hourly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, with services anticipated to start in 2028 or 2029.