The fate of the Portishead Railway revival is set to be decided by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review this Wednesday. This crucial funding announcement will determine whether the long-anticipated project moves forward.
In February, local political leaders reached an agreement with the Department for Transport to fund the railway’s reopening. Local government pledged £30 million, but the government’s contribution depends on the Chancellor’s upcoming decision.
The project envisions new stations in Portishead and Pill, reconnecting these communities to Bristol Temple Meads after passenger services ceased in 1964. While restoration of the line up to Pill has begun, further work is required to upgrade the tracks to accommodate passenger trains instead of freight.
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West of England’s Labour Metro Mayor Helen Godwin expressed optimism last week, stating she was “absolutely” confident the project’s prospects remain positive.
However, the initiative has faced challenges from previous government decisions. Initially, funding was to come from the Conservative government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund, but this was cut following the 2024 election. This left the project in uncertainty until the recent agreement with the Department for Transport.
Commenting in March on the spending review risks, former Metro Mayor Dan Norris acknowledged potential obstacles but maintained strong confidence in the project’s success, saying, “There are always things at any point in government that could stymie any initiative. This is no different. I’m just very confident that this will happen.”
Mr. Norris served as West of England Metro Mayor from 2021 to 2025 before stepping down to return to Parliament. Since April, he has been under investigation for serious allegations and remains on police bail, suspended from the Labour Party and barred from the Parliamentary estate. Despite this, he continues to hold his MP position.
As the community awaits Rachel Reeves' spending review, the future of the Portishead Railway hangs in the balance, representing a pivotal moment for local connectivity and development.