Work Begins to Restore Portishead Line

Work has officially begun to restore the railway line from Bristol Temple Meads to Portishead, which will bring train services back after more than 60 years.

Thus far, the Government has invested more than 63 million GBP to reconnect Portishead and Pill to the railway network in an effort to improve journey times whilst supporting jobs, housing and investment across the region.

Services are due to begin in 2028, with passengers set to 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 the two stations, with stops at Pill, Parson Street and Bedminster. Once operational, the line is expected to create an estimated 43 million GBP of economic growth for the region each year.

In time, the railway will also connect through to Bristol Brabazon – one of the UK’s largest new communities – as well as the new Aviva Arena.

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 see upgrades made to 5.5 miles of existing freight railway, the restoration of 3 miles of former railway, and delivery of two brand new stations at Pill and Portishead.

All services on the Portishead Line are being developed by Great Western Railway (GWR), with the Government’s investment forming part of a 197 million GBP funding package agreed with project partners, the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.