Construction to reopen the Portishead railway, which has been closed for over six decades, is set to commence in early 2026. The line, originally opened in 1867 and long envisioned by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, served passengers until its closure in 1964 following recommendations in the Beeching Report.
Since closure, the railway track connecting Bristol to Portishead had become overgrown and unused, with “enabling works” already completed to clear vegetation along the route. Full construction will start soon, aiming for completion by 2028. The restored line will include two new stations at Pill and Portishead and provide a vital passenger link into Bristol Temple Meads, enhancing regional connectivity.
Historically, the line ran scenic routes through Avon Gorge, stopping at Clifton Bridge, running beneath it through a tunnel at Ham Green, and crossing a viaduct at Pill before continuing through Portbury to Portishead. When Portishead Pier opened, the railway was extended to facilitate seamless transfers between steamers and trains. However, the rise of automobile travel in the 20th century and the Beeching cuts led to the branch’s closure to passengers, with freight operations ceasing by the 1980s and the line left dormant but preserved.
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Revival efforts began almost immediately after closure, gaining momentum over recent years as part of the West of England’s Metrowest transport improvements. The project faced uncertainty in 2024 when the new government scrapped the Restoring Your Railway fund, the primary source of government funding. Nevertheless, local councils and the West of England Combined Authority negotiated successfully to secure funding in 2025, with over £47 million pledged by the government and the remainder provided by local authorities, bringing the project’s total cost to £182 million.
The reopened line will reuse existing restored track between Bristol Temple Meads and Pill, which was upgraded for freight services to Portbury, but which will require adaptation for passenger trains. New stations will be constructed: Pill station will be rebuilt in its former location beneath Station Road, while the Portishead station will be newly built just east of Quays Avenue, avoiding disruption to the Waitrose car park that now occupies the original site. The discovery of the old line during early 2000s planning work spurred renewed enthusiasm, led in part by Alan Matthews, chair of the Portishead Railway Group, active since 2000.
While Clifton Bridge station will not reopen, plans have allowed room for a potential future station at Ashton Gate in Bristol, which could serve football fans on match days, although this is not currently part of active proposals.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell expressed optimism as construction approaches: “The return of trains from Portishead will transform the region by reconnecting 50,000 people to the rail network. This is more than just new stations at Pill and Portishead — it’s a vital link to Bristol Temple Meads and beyond, enhancing travel opportunities for all.”