Portishead, a coastal town eight miles from Bristol, is set to regain its railway link after more than six decades, backed by £27.6 million of government funding. The town, one of the UK's largest without a station, last had a rail service when the Portishead Line closed in 1964.
New station and hourly trains to Bristol by 2028
Network Rail's senior sponsor for the Great Western route, Niall Spencer, said: "There's now visible progress right across the route, from bridge upgrades and site clearance to preparations for the new stations themselves." He added: "It's exciting to see this long-awaited railway taking shape and moving another step closer to reconnecting local communities with the rail network for the first time in more than six decades."
The project, costing an estimated £200 million in total, is expected to be completed by 2028. The new service, operated by Great Western Railway, will provide direct hourly trains from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads, taking as little as 25 minutes — half the current travel time.
Scenic route and recent investments
The railway line will run beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge, offering scenic views for passengers. Portishead has also seen recent investment in its open-air pool, which received a £1.3 million makeover, adding new changing rooms, showers, and a refurbished cafe.
