Network Rail Inks £200M Deal to Rebuild the Historic Portishead Line

Portishead Line reopening work has advanced at Bristol Temple Meads. Contracts valued at 200 million GBP have been signed. They cover work to restore passenger services on the railway line. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to Network Rail’s media centre, the line has been closed to passengers since 1964. Also, the reopening scheme will include the construction of two new stations.

Three contracts have been awarded to deliver the project. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will lead railway construction and carry out highways improvements in Portishead. Meanwhile, Colas Rail will design and install a new digital signalling system. Separately, AmcoGiffen will handle bridge works and associated highways activity in Bristol.

Portishead Line reopening scope

The core programme covers the relaying of three miles of track. It also includes the building of the two stations. In addition, it covers the infrastructure needed to operate a modern and reliable rail service. That work is planned for a corridor that has been without passenger trains for decades.

According to Network Rail’s Portishead Line project page, the full project is being funded by:

• the Department for Transport (DfT);
• the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority;
• North Somerset Council.

Also, Network Rail will deliver the works.

Construction is now underway. Operations are expected to begin in Winter 2028/29. Once the line is running, it is expected to reconnect more than 50,000 people. It is expected to reconnect them to the railway for the first time since 1964. The project is also expected to expand access to jobs, education and services. At the same time, it is expected to provide a more sustainable transport option.

Journeys between Bristol Temple Meads and Portishead are expected to take around 25 minutes. Journeys from Pill to Portishead are expected to take 20 minutes.

Contracts, guests and expected economic growth

The signing was marked by a train journey for invited guests, as Railway-News reported. The route ran from Bristol Temple Meads towards Portishead and the future Pill station site. For example, those on board included:

• West of England Mayor Helen Godwin;
• North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell;
• Network Rail Western route managing director Marcus Jones;
• Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood;
• Bristol South MP Karin Smith;
• Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy;
• North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan.

Once operational, the Portishead Line is forecast to generate economic growth each year. The estimate is 43 million GBP.

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.

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