Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited restoration of the railway between Portishead and Bristol, bringing the return of passenger services a step closer for one of England’s largest towns without a station.
The project will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the national rail network for the first time in over six decades, with services expected to begin in winter 2028/29.
Once complete, passengers will be able to travel between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes, offering a significantly faster alternative to peak-time road journeys.
Major milestone for reopening project
The scheme will upgrade 5.5 miles of existing freight railway, reinstate around three miles of former railway and deliver two new stations at Portishead and Pill.
An hourly service will operate between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, calling at Pill, Parson Street and Bedminster, improving connectivity across North Somerset and the wider West of England.
In the longer term, the route is also expected to connect through to Bristol Brabazon and the future Aviva Arena, providing sustainable access to one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects and a major new entertainment venue.
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.”
Boosting connectivity and growth
The Government’s contribution forms part of a wider £197 million funding package agreed with the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.
The restored railway is expected to reduce congestion on one of the region’s busiest commuter corridors while supporting housing delivery, employment opportunities and an estimated £43 million of economic growth each year.
Joanna Grew, Great Western Route Strategy Director for Network Rail and Great Western Railway, 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.”
Decades of campaigning
The start of construction follows years of campaigning by local communities for the railway’s return, with Portishead having been without passenger rail services since the 1960s.
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!”
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, added: “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.”
The start of construction marks one of the UK’s most significant railway reopening projects and forms part of wider efforts to improve regional connectivity, encourage modal shift from road to rail and support economic growth across the West of England.
