This week marks the start of significant preparatory work on the Portishead Railway, a line closed to passengers over half a century ago, in 1964. The first step involves clearing trees and vegetation along the route to make way for major construction scheduled to begin early next year.
These efforts represent the final phase of “enabling works” aimed at readying the railway for its full reopening. In 2023, a new bat corridor was established to protect local wildlife, diverted safely away from the railway line. Meanwhile, the old tracks were removed last year and generously donated to the Avon Valley heritage railway.
Vegetation clearing starts in Portishead and will steadily progress along the line toward Pill. Marcus Jones, Western route director at Network Rail, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this pivotal moment: “This project has been a long-standing ambition, and we’re excited to now be at the delivery phase.”
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Clearing the line creates space for temporary construction compounds, car parks, and the infrastructure necessary for the railway and two new stations at Pill and Portishead. The new Pill station will be located by the Station Road railway bridge, replacing the former station site. Meanwhile, Portishead’s station will find its home off Quays Avenue.
Once vital for local transport but closed under the Beeching Cuts, the railway is slated to reopen by 2028, reconnecting communities after decades without rail service.
West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin called the project “a new chapter” for the region: “Working alongside North Somerset Council, the government, Network Rail, and Great Western Railway, this investment will ease congestion, provide faster, greener travel options, and open up land for much-needed new homes.”
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan acknowledged past scepticism but emphasized the importance of the reopening: “There have been broken promises and delays, making this project a rollercoaster for residents. However, delivering this long-awaited rail link shows our collective ability to achieve great things. I eagerly await taking the first train and will advocate to ensure delivery meets expectations.”
Government funding was confirmed in July after a period of uncertainty stemming from the withdrawal of a funding scheme earlier in the year. Ultimately, the government committed over £47 million toward the £182 million project, with the remainder covered by North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell highlighted the transformative potential: “Trains from Portishead have been anticipated for a long time. Now, with works underway paving the path to construction in 2026, it is finally happening. When services resume to Temple Meads, the Portishead to Bristol line will reconnect 50,000 people back into the rail network.
“This project is about more than just new stations in Portishead and Pill. It’s about providing seamless connections to Temple Meads and beyond, unlocking economic growth and attracting investment estimated to contribute £43 million annually to the region.”