There’s good news for people in the Bristol region and beyond, with the planned reopening of the line between Bristol, Portishead and Pill, with contracts signed today in a ceremony at Bristol Temple Meads.
It will allow the Portishead line to reopen, last used in passenger service in 1964. The line is planned to reopen in winter 2028/29, unlocking jobs, growth and billions in economic value for the South West, and reconnecting communities by rail.
To support this, three contracts have been signed to deliver this rail connection:
- Morgan Sindall will lead the construction of the line itself
- Colas Rail will design and install a new digital signalling system
- AmcoGiffen has been appointed to deliver bridge and highway improvements, including a new road layout and roundabout at Quays Avenue in Portishead.
The core works involve building two new stations, relaying three miles of track and delivering the infrastructure needed to run a modern, reliable rail service along a corridor that has been dormant for generations.
Construction is now underway at both sites.
For the region, when the line opens in winter 2028/29, more than 50,000 people will have direct access to the rail network for the first time in their lifetimes. For Portishead, one of the largest towns in England without a railway station, it marks a transformation in how residents connect with Bristol, the wider region and the national network.
To celebrate the contract signings, invited guests joined a special train journey from Bristol Temple Meads along the line towards Portishead and the site of the new Pill station… on a Pacer.
In Quotes
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“This is an historic moment for Portishead, Pill and the whole of the West of England, as we continue to grow our regional rail network and look to increase the frequency of trains across the board.
“Through this new £200 million train line, the West of England and North Somerset, alongside our industry partners, we can connect more people to work, nature, and leisure. This investment will also help unlock sites for new homes and strengthen the country’s fastest-growing regional economy.
“Travel times between Bristol and Portishead will be halved by train services, helping the West get out of the slow lane and cutting congestion. Our record investment in more trains and better buses will get our region moving, while we continue developing mass transit plans for the longer-term.”
Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“After decades of waiting, trains are finally on their way back to the Portishead and Pill to Bristol rail line, and that is a huge achievement. We are delighted to welcome Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Colas Rail and AmcoGiffen to the project as work on site ramps up and full construction gets underway, taking us another major step closer to opening the line.
“Today’s observation train along the line towards Portishead gave me an exciting glimpse of what is to come. As ever, I would like to thank the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and Great Western Railway for their continued support and collaboration as we turn the Portishead line into a reality for residents.”
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
“It is really pleasing to officially mark the start of work here today and to invite people back onto this stretch of the railway – which represents a major step forward in reconnecting this area by rail.
“But this isn’t just about trains and track – it is about reconnecting people to rail and providing a vital economic catalyst across the region. This project validates our belief that reliable rail services are essential for local and national growth.
“The line will allow thousands more direct access to the rail network and in the fullness of time will connect with our other new station, Bristol Brabazon, and the new Aviva Arena, creating further sustainable links for residents and visitors.”
“We’ve worked closely with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and Network Rail to reach this stage and are looking forward to operating train services from this new station in due course.”
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.”
The work begins in earnest for Winter 28/29
With the contracts signed, the formal work can proceed. However, some preliminary work has been carried out
In Portishead, site compounds are being established off Harbour Road and the A369, with preparatory work beginning shortly to clear the old railway and ready the corridor for new track.
In Pill, compounds are being set up off Monmouth Road and at Lodway, with the demolition of Station House and nearby garages creating the space needed for the new station forecourt and railway infrastructure.
For these communities that have had their links severed, it will represent a step-up in transit links to Bristol, as well as destinations beyond the city.
If only they didn’t use a Pacer to promote this launch…
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