Rachel Reeves’s recent spending review concluded without any commitment to funding the Portishead Railway, leaving the project’s future in limbo.
During her announcement in the House of Commons, the Chancellor highlighted investments in rail infrastructure across the North, East and West Midlands, and Wales. However, the proposed reopening of the railway line connecting Bristol to Portishead, scheduled for 2027, was notably absent from the list.
Earlier this year, local councils and the West of England Combined Authority reached an agreement with the Department for Transport to support the initiative. While local governments pledged £30 million, the Department for Transport’s financial contribution was contingent upon approval in the spending review, which was unveiled today.
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Though the West of England Combined Authority is slated to receive £752 million in transport funding this parliamentary term, stemming from a broader £15.6 billion investment nationwide, this allocation does not explicitly cover the Portishead Railway project. Of this funding, £200 million is earmarked for a mass transit system linking Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset. Additional funds are designated for bus improvements, road upgrades, and a £150 million investment to boost suburban rail frequency, but these are understood to be separate from the Portishead line’s financing.
When questioned recently about the project’s viability, West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin expressed continued confidence, stating, “Absolutely.”
The planned railway revival includes constructing new stations at Portishead and Pill, reinstating passenger service along a line that ceased operations in 1964. While the track to Pill has been partially restored for freight use, upgrades are necessary to support passenger services.
The Treasury has not provided a comment regarding the funding status.