Two significant rail projects in the West of England have been given the green light by the Government, following last month’s Spending Review. These approvals promise to deliver substantial improvements to transport links and unlock new housing developments across the region.
The long-disused rail line between Bristol city centre and Portishead, which last saw passenger services six decades ago, will be reinstated. This vital project will include the delivery of two new stations at Pill and Portishead, bringing thousands of residents closer to the railway and the economic opportunities it provides.
In addition, two brand new stations are set to be constructed at Wellington in Somerset and Cullompton in Devon. These will significantly improve transport links to Exeter and beyond, while also enabling substantial new housing developments in both areas.
Commuters between Portishead and Bristol are now a step closer to benefiting from a new rail link, as the project to reinstate the disused railway receives crucial investment. Similarly, the new stations at Wellington and Cullompton will enhance transport options in Somerset and Devon.
Portishead Line
The Government is investing a further £27 million to reinstate passenger rail services between Portishead and Bristol city centre. Once completed, this new passenger service will connect an estimated 50,000 residents to the railway network by reopening a line that was originally closed in 1964.
The scheme forms part of the broader MetroWest programme, which aims to extend suburban services to more stations across the West of England. A new hourly train timetable is expected to provide enhanced economic and leisure opportunities for passengers and support a new housing development in the area.
Wellington and Cullompton Stations
The new stations at Wellington in Somerset and Cullompton in Devon will make travel to Exeter and beyond quicker and easier, while also unlocking significant new housing developments.
Once complete, Wellington and Cullompton will provide two additional stations serving the Great Western Mainline, which runs from London Paddington to Penzance, and will be situated either side of Tiverton Parkway station. The original stations in both towns closed in 1964. Since then, both settlements have seen considerable population growth, making them the largest communities unserved by a rail station between Exeter and Taunton.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said: “We’re pleased that these two projects have been given the go ahead in our region, providing significant economic benefits as well as boosting sustainable travel options for commuters in Somerset, Devon, and Bristol. Improved rail links connect people with job and leisure opportunities that support local economies, and we look forward to bringing the railway closer to communities that haven’t had easy access to train journeys for more than 60 years.”
