News / Transport
Government gives green light for Portishead railway line
Portishead will finally get its railway back after the government approved the final £27.6m needed to reopen the line from Bristol and build a new station in the town and also in Pill.
A newly announced timetable will see work on the line starting as early as spring 2026 and reopening taking place in 2028.
It means that Portishead will now not become the largest town in the UK without a railway station as it was predicted to at its current growth rate.
Portishead’s history dates back to Roman times with its name deriving from the ‘port at the head of the river’ – photo: Martin Booth
West of England mayor, Helen Godwin, said that the line between Bristol and Portishead, part of which can be seen next to the River Avon on the opposite side from the Portway, “has been missed for generations”.
“Its return has been long promised, with too many false starts,” said Godwin.
Now, in this new chapter for our region, we will build it together.
“The West of England and North Somerset, with government backing and industry partners, will connect more people to opportunity, leisure and nature.
“We’re investing in jobs and economic growth. Local people will see and feel the difference from commutes being cut in half through train travel, and building this key transport infrastructure will unlock sites for much-needed new homes.”
Godwin added: “Delivering projects like the Bristol & Portishead Line now lays the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England, building the suburban railway network that other places take for granted.”
Sections of the Bristol to Portishead railway line still exist – photo: Martin Booth
Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said: “When it opens, the line will offer its first passenger trains in generations, with journey times of just 23 minutes providing more sustainable access to jobs, education and an estimated £43m in economic growth every year…
“We know how important this scheme is to local people and we’re excited that we can now depart on this journey and finally deliver full steam ahead.”
A muddy Pill harbour heading out to the River Avon – photo: Martin Booth
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan added: “This railway line is not just steel tracks and aluminium carriages; it is a promise to the people of Portishead, Pill and all of North Somerset that this government is investing in them.
“By fostering connectivity to the wider region, we will create jobs, spur local economic growth and ensure everyone has access to reliable public transportation.
“Whilst I have lobbied hard for the past year, the project would not be proceeding at all were it not for the tenacity of the Portishead Railway Group and other local supporters of the project, who have fought for this for 25 years now.
“I am proud to have helped finally get this project across the line and shows what can be done with a Labour MP, Labour government and Labour mayor.”
Main image: Portishead Railway Group
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