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. The project is funded by Government, the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and is being delivered by 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.

What work is taking place?

From Monday 27 October 2025, work begins to remove trees along sections of the disused railway. This will create the space needed to build site compounds, car parks, the two new stations and the railway line.

Pedestrian crossings over the disused railway at Tansy Lane and Moor Lane will be temporarily closed to help keep everyone safe. A diversion will be in place, see map below. The map shows the footpath diversion around the disused railway line.

Work then continues towards Pill, starting at Sheepway Gate Farm and Marsh Lane. This is expected to continue until early 2026. There will also be works taking place at Quays Avenue in Portishead.

Ecology work has taken place to ensure species living near the railway are protected, such as toads, reptiles, badgers 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.

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.