Major work to restore the long-dormant railway linking Portishead and Bristol is set to commence this coming spring.
The restoration of the Portishead Line is being funded by the Department for Transport, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council, and will be delivered by Network Rail, with trains operated by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Main construction work is planned to begin in April
© Network Rail
Along with the overall restoration; new stations will also be constructed at Portishead and Pill as the line aims to connect over 50,000 people back to the railway, as well as provide a greener alternative route to Bristol.
In total, the line’s re-introduction is expected to remove eight million car journeys from the road by 2044, adding two million seats per year to the rail network.
Currently, the railway is planned to provide an hourly direct trainf rom Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads in roughly 25 minutes. The route runs under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge, and will connect directly onto the Henbury Line via Bristol Temple Meads, connecting to two more new stations being built: North Filton, serving Brabazon and the arena, and Henbury.
Main construction is scheduled to begin in April, with work compounds due to be set up near Harbour Road in Portishead, Monmouth Road in Pill and off the A369 Portbury Hundred near Sheepway. Prepatory work began in Autumn 2025, with trees removed to create space for site compounds, car parks, the two new stations at Portishead and Pill, and the railway line itself. Utility diversions are currently underway in Portishead, with some temporary traffic lights in use.
Lord Hendy, Rail Minister, said:
Reopening the Portishead to Bristol line has been talked about for decades, and thanks to Government investment we’re finally getting it done.
Previously cut off passengers will have a rail service for the first time in over 60 years opening up new opportunities and supporting jobs, economic growth, and communities in Portishead, Pill and the surrounding area.
Network Rail has invited the public to a set of two drop-in sessions to find out more. These sessions will take place as follows:
- Thursday 26 March, Somerset Hall, Portishead
- Tuesday 31 March, Community Centre, Pill
The events will run from 15:30 and 19:30, with members of the project team present to answer any questions or concerns. Invitations are set to be posted to residents near the railway in Portishead and Pill.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route Director, said:
After years of hard work by so many people, we’re almost ready to begin bringing the railway back to life. The railway will transform travel in the region and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to come and learn about our plans.