The leader of North Somerset Council, Mike Bell, has expressed strong confidence that the government will soon approve funding for the long-awaited Portishead Railway reopening, even though the scheme was absent from Rachel Reeves’ recent spending review announcement.
Back in February, local councils and the West of England Combined Authority reached an agreement with the government to help finance the railway’s revival. However, the government’s financial commitment was pending the Chancellor’s spending review last week, during which the project was not mentioned.
Still, the Chancellor announced a £31.5 billion allocation for the Department for Transport, including £10.2 billion earmarked for rail projects. Mr. Bell welcomed this significant investment, stating, “We are confident this funding boost will support the Department for Transport’s upcoming decision on the full business case for the Portishead to Bristol rail line.”
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This ambitious project aims to reconnect Portishead and Pill to Bristol Temple Meads by reopening the railway line, which has been closed to passengers since 1964. While restoration has already reached Pill, additional work is needed to adapt the track for passenger services rather than freight.
Mr. Bell added, “The Portishead to Bristol line has been in the pipeline for many years, and we are nearing a crucial milestone with the full business case decision. This will allow us to begin construction in earnest.”
He also expressed gratitude to the collaborative efforts of partners at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Network Rail, the Department for Transport, and local MPs who have all played vital roles in advancing the project. “We look forward to sharing further updates soon,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, funding for the reopened Wellington railway station in Somerset was also unmentioned in the Chancellor’s speech. However, when questioned, the government confirmed that funding would be provided, signifying continued support for regional rail improvements despite the silence in the formal announcement.