The reinstatement of the Portishead railway line has taken another step closer to realisation following the signing of contracts worth 200 million GBP at Bristol Temple Meads.
Two new stations will also be delivered as part of efforts to reopen the line, which closed to passengers in 1964.
Invited guests were taken on a special train ride from Bristol Temple Meads Station to Portishead
© Network Rail
Three contracts have been awarded to deliver the projects, with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure handling lead construction of the line and highways improvements at Portishead; Colas Rail designing and installing a new digital signalling system and AmcoGiffen delivering bridge works and associated highways work in Bristol.
Core work will involve the building of two new stations, relaying of three miles of track and delivery of all infrastructure needed to run a modern, reliable rail service along a long-dormant corridor.
The entire project is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council, and will be delivered by Network Rail.
Construction is now underway, with operations expected to begin in Winter 2028/29. Once up and running, the line will reconnect over 50,000 people to the railway for the first time since 1964, expanding access to jobs, education and services whilst providing more sustainable transport.
Journeys between Bristol Temple Meads and Portishead are expected to take roughly 25 minutes, with journeys from Pill to Portishead taking 20.
To mark the occasion; invited guests were taken on a train journey from Bristol Temple Meads along the line towards Portishead and the location of the new Pill station. Those on board included: the Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell, Network Rail Western route managing director Marcus Jones, Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood, Karin Smith, MP for Bristol South, Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East and Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset.
Once operational; the Portishead Line is forecast to generate an estimated 43 million GBP in economic growth each year.
Marcus Jones, Managing Director of Network Rail’s Western Route, said:
This is a significant milestone in the return of the railway to Portishead and Pill, and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing this scheme to life. With these contracts now signed, we’re moving from years of planning into full delivery.
This project will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the rail network for the first time in decades, unlocking better access to jobs, education and services, while offering a faster and greener alternative to road travel.
Working closely with the Department for Transport, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council, Great Western Railway and our industry partners, we’re committed to delivering a modern, reliable railway that supports long‑term growth for the region and meets the needs of local communities for generations to come.