The Portishead Line
We’re restoring the Portishead Line from Bristol to Portishead.
The branch line was closed in 1964 but when reopened in 2028, it will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the railway.
What work is taking place?
The project is funded by Government, the West of England Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and Network Rail. The restored railway will provide an hourly direct train from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads in 25 minutes. The route runs along one of the most scenic stretches of railway in the country, through the Avon Gorge and past the Clifton suspension bridge.
The railway still exists from Bristol through Pill to Royal Portbury Docks, but only for freight. We need to rebuild three miles of railway from Pill to Portishead, build new stations at Portishead and Pill and install signals.
When is the work taking place?
Subject to the Government approval, the core work will start in the second half of 2025. Ecology work has already taken place to ensure species living near the railway are protected, such as toads and bats.
Why is the work needed?
The Portishead Line is phase one of the wider Metro West project to improve rail links in Bristol and surrounding areas, improving connectivity and enhancing the local economy. Phase two will include new stations on a rail line to Henbury.
In total Metro West aims to provide seven new stations and five new or enhanced rail links by 2028.
New stations:
- Portway Park and Ride – opened August 2023
- Ashley Down – opened September 2024
- Charfield – construction in progress
- North Filton/Brabazon – construction in progress
- Portishead
- Pill
- Henbury
Get in touch
If you have any questions or require further information in the meantime, you can get in touch with us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.