The long-awaited Portishead to Bristol rail project is approaching the final stage of approval, with plans for the Full Business Case set to be decided in a forthcoming Full Council meeting on January 9. This project, part of the Department for Transport’s Restoring Your Railway initiative and the MetroWest programme, aims to reconnect 50,000 residents in North Somerset to the national rail network.
Councillor Mike Bell, the Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Major Infrastructure Projects, could soon have the authority to finalize the Full Business Case on behalf of North Somerset Council for submission to the Department for Transport by the end of February. This progress follows extensive design work and additional funds secured for the project’s construction.
Cllr Bell emphasized the transformative potential of the Portishead to Bristol rail line, highlighting better connections for Portishead and Pill, as well as the eco-friendly aspect of reducing road traffic with short expected train journeys of only 23 minutes.
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Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Cllr Bell extended thanks to partners at West of England Combined Authority and Network Rail for their contributions to the Full Business Case and expressed anticipation for the ongoing progress of the project.
If approved by the DfT, the scheme will warrant a release of funding by North Somerset Council and the DfT, giving hope for a substantial step towards the rail line’s development.
To learn more about the Portishead line, visit the project’s website.