The UK government has officially confirmed the reopening of the Portishead Railway, ending a year of uncertainty. Today, the Department for Transport announced it will provide an additional £27.6 million towards the £180 million scheme, enabling the revival of passenger rail services that have been absent since 1964.
This ambitious project includes constructing new stations in Portishead and Pill, reconnecting these communities to Bristol Temple Meads station. The Bristol to Pill section of the railway has already been restored for freight use but requires upgrades to accommodate passenger trains. The remaining track between Pill and Portishead has been largely unused and will now undergo ecological and construction work starting as early as September.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of transport investment, calling it “the backbone of our economy.” She highlighted that this reopening will create better access to jobs, education, and opportunities, supporting economic growth and community connectivity. The government’s investment forms part of a wider £92 billion transport funding package, designed to support 42,000 jobs and enable the construction of 1.5 million new homes nationwide.
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Local partners North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority are also providing substantial funding and have expressed optimism about the project’s impact. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, described the reopening as a long-awaited and transformative development that will cut commute times, stimulate economic growth, and unlock housing opportunities. She underscored that this project fits within a broader vision to enhance public transit infrastructure, including trams, buses, and suburban rail networks across the region.
Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, called the funding announcement “brilliant” and pledged readiness to begin site work promptly. He noted that passenger trains will return for the first time in nearly six decades, with travel times of around 23 minutes to Bristol. This improved access is expected to benefit around 50,000 residents, delivering more sustainable transport alternatives.
Community support for reopening the line has spanned decades, with serious progress made recently under the Metrowest initiative. Despite uncertainty following the 2023 cancellation of the Restoring Your Railway fund by the incoming government, local authorities and the Combined Authority secured additional local financing and remained confident of government backing. The project’s current budget stands at £182.21 million, with government contributions now exceeding £47 million.
With funding secured and partnerships strong, the Portishead Railway’s reopening represents a significant step forward in reconnecting communities, promoting sustainable travel, and fueling regional economic vitality.