Portishead, in North Somerset, is due to get a new station in 2028 as part of a £200 million project to restore the Portishead Line and reconnect the town to the national rail network. The original branch line closed in 1964, but work is now well under way to bring passenger services back for the first time in more than six decades.
New stations and travel times
The project will also see a new station built in neighbouring Pill, with the restored railway expected to reconnect more than 50,000 people to the rail network. Once complete, passengers will be able to travel directly from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes on an hourly service.
The route, which will be operated by Great Western Railway, follows one of the country's most scenic stretches of railway, passing beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge.
Quotes from officials
Niall Spencer, senior sponsor for Network Rail's Great Western route, said: "The enthusiasm and interest we've seen from residents has been incredibly positive. There's now visible progress right across the route, from bridge upgrades and site clearance to preparations for the new stations themselves. 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."
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “It is exciting to get this first look of what the new stations for Portishead and Pill will look like. I know so many people have been waiting so long for passenger trains to return to the Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads line, and it is great to see work is well underway. Through this new £200million train line, the West of England and North Somerset, alongside our industry partners, can connect more people to work, nature, and leisure. Travel times between Bristol and Portishead will be halved by train services, helping the West get out of the slow lane and cutting congestion. Our record investment in more trains and better buses will get our region moving, while we continue developing mass transit plans for the longer-term.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “Local people have been calling out for the reopened railway for decades, so I’m delighted that we’ve started work and are now making steady progress towards making it happen. The reopened Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads line will provide sustainable travel connections into the national rail network, which will enable an estimated £43m of economic growth each year, helping local communities to thrive. This is a project that stands to be transformative for the region, so it’s full steam ahead with our partners at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Department for Transport, Network Rail and Great Western Railway.”
Project details
According to Network Rail, three miles of new track will be laid between Portishead and Pill, where it will join the existing railway, which is currently used for freight services to Royal Portbury Dock. An additional line will also be built through Pill to allow trains to pass each other, while the railway between Portishead and Parson Street will be upgraded with new signalling and communications equipment.
Construction is already progressing across the route, with work taking place to prepare the ground for new track, strengthen Sheepway Bridge and build the new station infrastructure. The scheme is being funded by the Government, the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council, with Network Rail delivering the project.
About Portishead
Portishead is the second-largest town in North Somerset and sits on the Bristol Channel, with views across the water towards Wales. Known for its marina, seafront attractions, open-air swimming pool, boating lake, shops, restaurants and coastal walks, the town has become a popular destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers. Passenger services are expected to begin in 2028.
