More than 50,000 people in North Somerset are a step closer to getting train services back after more than 60 years, as work begins to restore the railway line to Portishead.
With services due to begin in Winter 2028/29, passengers will be able to travel directly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes – less than half the time journeys can take by car during rush hour traffic.
The line will provide an hourly service between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, calling at Pill, Parson Street and Bedminster, improving connections, reducing road congestion, unlocking housing and employment opportunities, and creating an estimated £43m of economic growth for the region each year.
In time, the restored railway line will eventually connect through to Bristol Brabazon – one of the UK’s largest new communities – and the new Aviva Arena, giving residents and visitors fast, easy access to the region’s biggest music, sport and entertainment events.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:
“For the first time in more than 60 years, local communities are on track to regain access to the railway, opening up new and improved opportunities for jobs, growth and housing.
“Our investment of more than £63 million will help reconnect over 50,000 people to the rail network and deliver faster journeys to and from Bristol.
“By restoring this line, we’re improving everyday journeys, strengthening local transport links and helping unlock the economic potential of North Somerset and the wider region.”
The scheme will upgrade 5.5 miles of existing freight railway, restore 3 miles of former railway, and deliver two brand new stations at Pill and Portishead – marking an important milestone, as Portishead is currently one of the largest towns in England without a railway station.
Train services on the Portishead Line are being developed by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Western Route Strategy Director, Network Rail and Great Western Railway, Joanna Grew, said:
“Anyone who’s tried commuting between Portishead, Pill and Bristol by road knows just how congested this route can be. Rail offers a quick and easy solution, with journeys into Bristol in 25 minutes, making it easier to connect to jobs, go to college, or visit friends.
“Seeing this project taking shape is a proud moment for everyone involved and for the 50,000 people who will be reconnected to the rail network for the first time in decades. This is about more than track and trains; it’s about unlocking access to jobs, education and opportunity, and providing a real economic catalyst for the wider region.
“In time, this line will connect through to Bristol Brabazon and the new Aviva Arena, creating sustainable links that will serve residents and visitors for generations. Working alongside the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and the Department for Transport, today’s progress is proof of what strong partnership can deliver.”
The Government’s investment is part of a £197m funding package agreed with project partners, the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.
Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, said:
“This is a landmark moment, and it is fantastic to see work finally beginning on stations that people in Portishead and Pill have campaigned incredibly hard for.
“The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and our industry partners are delivering these long-awaited stations, laying the foundations for a stronger and more connected rail network.
“The West is moving out of the slow lane, and it is great that Rail Minister Lord Hendy could join us today to see firsthand how we are improving transport across our region. I look forward to hopefully welcoming him back as one of the first passengers when services begin in 2028!”
Leader of North Somerset Council, Councillor Mike Bell, said:
“Residents have been calling for the reopening of railway stations at Portishead and Pill for generations, so I am pleased to now put spades in the ground.
“The reopened railway will unlock transport across the West and the rest of the country, whilst also creating an estimated £43m of economic growth each year. I’d like to thank Lord Hendy and the UK Government for their continued support for this project and our local partners, including Mayor Helen Godwin, for helping to create the opportunity it brings to the people of North Somerset, Bristol and beyond.”
Image credit: GWR
