Local leaders have celebrated a major milestone for the Portishead Railway revival, as the government officially confirmed its full support and funding today. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a significant multi-million-pound investment to reopen the long-closed railway line that last served passengers in 1964.
The plan includes new stations at Portishead and Pill, reconnecting these communities to Bristol via rail for the first time in over half a century. At a press event held at Bristol Temple Meads station—the project’s terminus—North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell expressed enthusiasm: “It’s been a long time coming, but with all the final approvals in place, it’s full steam ahead to get the Portishead to Bristol line underway.”
North Somerset’s MP, Sadik Al-Hassan, who campaigned vigorously for the railway’s reopening, reflected on the journey: “I pledged to bring back this railway, and receiving the green light is one of the best anniversary gifts I could have hoped for.” Since his election a year ago, Al-Hassan has navigated challenges including the unexpected axing of the Restoring Your Railway fund, initially earmarked to support this project. “My priority was rallying stakeholders and ministers to reinstate crucial funding because this railway is vital for Portishead and Pill residents,” he added.
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Council leader Mike Bell emphasized the project’s momentum, saying, “Everyone is so publicly committed now that there’s really no turning back.” While West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin advised caution with timelines, suggesting trains may arrive by 2028 rather than the earlier hope of 2027, she remained confident: “We have the funds and the political will. This scheme is 100 percent going ahead.”
The government’s latest £27.6 million contribution lifts its total support to £47.48 million toward the overall £182.21 million project cost. The remainder comes from North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
With the Portishead Railway already high on the agenda at tonight’s full council meeting, Mike Bell anticipates shifting focus from approvals to action. “We’re just finalizing a few legal agreements now. Today, we’ve officially received the Department for Transport’s green light. Hopefully, this is the last time the council discusses the project conceptually—the next step is delivery.”
All planning consents, development orders, land acquisitions, environmental assessments, and negotiations are completed, Bell reported. “It’s now time to mobilize and get the railway built.”