Exciting news for Portishead! The railway project may finally kick off this summer, pending government approval
Portishead: The long-awaited railway project is finally gaining some momentum. North Somerset Council has announced that construction could start this summer if the government gives the thumbs up. They’ve already spent a good chunk of money on it, around £32 million, but things hit a snag after the last general election.
So, here’s the deal: the new Labour government decided to cut the funding scheme that was supposed to help with the project. Now, it’s kind of in limbo, waiting for a government review. But at a recent council meeting, they voted unanimously to push things forward. Council leader Mike Bell is pretty optimistic, saying that delays just lead to more costs and more waiting.
He’s hoping for a quick decision from the Department of Transport so they can get started and aim to have trains running by autumn 2027. But, of course, it all hinges on government approvals. They’re getting some positive vibes about the review being fast-tracked, so fingers crossed!
Local councillor Roger Whitfield expressed his relief that they’re finally at a crucial stage after so much effort from the community. He’s just hoping the government will come through with a favorable decision. Meanwhile, another councillor, Peter Burden, reminded everyone that the town has been waiting for this railway since the late 1980s. It’s been a long road, but they’re all doing their best to make it happen.
The project is set to cost around £152 million, funded by various authorities, but the recent funding cuts have thrown a wrench in the works. The railway line was closed back in 1964, and now they just need to lay a little over three miles of new track. Some work is needed to make the existing line suitable for passenger trains, and new stations will be built in Portishead and Pill.
Reopening this railway is part of a bigger plan called the Metrowest project, which aims to improve local train services across the West of England. So, let’s hope for some good news soon!
