After decades of skepticism, the reopening of the Portishead Railway is moving closer to fruition. Peter Burden, a Portishead South councillor and former train rider before the line closed in 1964, once regarded the project with arch-cynicism. Now, he admits, “it looks like it might finally happen.”
On July 8, the Department for Transport announced vital government investment to revive the Bristol-Portishead railway as part of the Metrowest initiative. This breakthrough follows years of setbacks and doubt surrounding the scheme.
West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin expressed full confidence, declaring she is “100 per cent” certain the railway will reopen. The funding news coincided with the North Somerset Council vote on final approvals necessary to advance construction.
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Council leader Mike Bell hailed the moment as historic: “We have all planning consents and funding secured, plus Department for Transport underwriting. We can now shift from planning to mobilizing engineering works.” He added that Metrowest discussions would soon be a thing of the past in council meetings.
Peter Burden, who has been a councillor since 1976 and witnessed countless iterations of the reopening plan, said: “I have always been the arch-cynic because for decades we were told it would open in five or six years—now we’re talking two to three years.” He warmly anticipates riding the line, expecting it to become more than just a commuter route, but a welcomed way for people to enjoy arriving in Portishead by train.
The campaign gained momentum in the 1980s as population growth and motorway congestion made alternatives necessary. Despite steady local support and political backing through the 1990s and 2000s, progress remained slow—leaving many, Burden included, puzzled by the delays.
At the latest council meeting, some residents remained doubtful; Councillor Caritas Charles shared that people expressed disbelief they’d see a train again. Nevertheless, he praised the cross-party collaboration that propelled the project forward.
Mike Bell recognized contributions from past council leaders and local politicians, naming former leaders Steve Bridger, Don Davies, Nigel Ashton, MP Sadik Al-Hassan, and Mayor Godwin for their dedication. Councillors from varied parties echoed the sentiment—Sue Mason recalled signing the campaign petition in 2003, and Jenna Ho Marris voiced strong support for a generational milestone for Pill and Portishead residents.
Construction could begin next year, following enabling works already in progress. While Bell hopes for trains by 2027, Godwin tempers expectations toward 2028.
The scheme includes new stations in Portishead and Pill. The £27.6 million government grant extends total government support to £47.48 million, with North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority funding the remaining £134.73 million of the £182.21 million project cost.
After decades in waiting, the future of the Portishead Railway now feels closer than ever to becoming reality.