The Portishead Line

We’re restoring the Portishead Line from Bristol to Portishead.

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The Portishead Line

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 around 25 minutes. The route runs along one of the most scenic stretches of railway in the country, under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge.

New stations will be built at Portishead and Pill. Three miles of new track will be laid from Portishead to join the existing railway at Pill, which is currently used only for freight to Royal Portbury Dock. An additional line will be added through Pill to allow trains to pass each other. The whole railway from Portishead to Parson Street will be upgraded and signals and communication masts will be installed.

What work is taking place?

Portishead

A new road layout is in place on Quays Avenue as we set up our site compounds. Two-way traffic remains. From June a one-way system will be in place on Harbour Road, with traffic only able to travel towards the roundabout from Newfoundland Way.

We’re also setting up our site compound off the A369 Portbury Hundred. Work will also begin along the old railway line to prepare for new track to be laid.

Footpaths over the railway at Tansy Lane and Moor Lane in Portishead will be closed to allow the railway to be rebuilt. These routes are not public rights of way. Pedestrians and cyclists should now use Quays Avenue to reach the other side of the railway.

Pill

We’re setting up our site compounds off Monmouth Road and at Lodway, near the hammer and spanner sculpture. Temporary traffic lights will be in place near Station House as we prepare to demolish the building in May to create space for the new station forecourt. The garages on Avon Road will then be demolished to make way for a larger railway bridge.

Until June, we’re working to strengthen Marsh Lane bridge. A diversion via the A369 and Royal Portbury Dock Road will be clearly signposted. The public right of way under the bridge will also be suspended, with a diversion also in place.

Ecology

Extensive work has taken place to ensure species living near the railway are protected while the work takes place, such as toads, reptiles, badgers and bats. Rare whitebeam trees have also been grown and planted in Leigh Woods in the Avon Gorge. All the work has been completed in conjunction with Natural England.

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.