One of the most-anticipated rail projects in the south west took a major step forward this morning, as contracts worth £200 million were signed at Bristol Temple Meads to deliver two brand new stations and reinstate the Portishead railway line closed to passengers since 1964.
Three contracts have been awarded to deliver the project. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will lead construction of the line and highways improvements at Portishead, Colas Rail will design and install a new digital signalling system and AmcoGiffen has been appointed to deliver bridge works and associated highways work in Bristol.
The core work involves building two new stations, relaying three miles of track and delivering the infrastructure needed to run a modern, reliable rail service along a corridor that has been dormant for generations.
This project is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and will be delivered by Network Rail.
Construction is now underway, and once opened in winter 2028/29, the line will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the railway for the first time since the line was closed for passenger services in 1964, improving access to jobs, education and services while supporting more sustainable travel options.
Journeys to Bristol Temple Meads will take around 25 minutes from Portishead and 20 minutes from Pill- around half the time it takes to complete these journeys by road.
To mark the signing of these contracts, invited guests took part in a special train journey from Bristol Temple Meads along the line towards Portishead and the location of the new Pill station. Those on board included: the Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell, Network Rail Western route managing director Marcus Jones, Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood, Karin Smith, MP for Bristol South, Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East and Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset.
As part of GWR’s Growing Places research, stations across the South West are projected to contribute billions of pounds in economic value and thousands of new jobs by 2036, and Portishead and Pill will play a key role. The Portishead Line project is forecast to generate an estimated £43 million in economic growth each year when complete.
Marcus Jones, managing director of Network Rail’s Western route, said: “This is a significant milestone in the return of the railway to Portishead and Pill, and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing this scheme to life. With these contracts now signed, we’re moving from years of planning into full delivery.
“This project will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the rail network for the first time in decades, unlocking better access to jobs, education and services, while offering a faster and greener alternative to road travel.
“Working closely with the Department for Transport, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council, Great Western Railway and our industry partners, we’re committed to delivering a modern, reliable railway that supports long‑term growth for the region and meets the needs of local communities for generations to come.”
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, added: “It is really pleasing to officially mark the start of work here today and to invite people back onto this stretch of the railway – which represents a major step forward in reconnecting this area by rail.
“But this isn’t just about trains and track – it is about reconnecting people to rail and providing a vital economic catalyst across the region. This project validates our belief that reliable rail services are essential for local and national growth.
“The line will allow thousands more direct access to the rail network and in the fullness of time will connect with our other new station, Bristol Brabazon, and the new Aviva Arena, creating further sustainable links for residents and visitors.”
“We’ve worked closely with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and Network Rail to reach this stage and are looking forward to operating train services from this new station in due course.”
In Portishead, site compounds are currently being set up off Harbour Road and off the A369 Portbury Hundred. Work will soon begin to remove what remains of the old railway and prepare the line for new track.
In Pill, site compounds are being constructed off Monmouth Road and at Lodway, near the hammer and spanner sculpture. Station House will soon be demolished to make way for the new station forecourt. Garages off Avon Road will then be demolished, creating the work area to renew the railway bridge and reinforce the embankment alongside the railway.
Image credit: Network Rail
