New train stations could connect city's outskirts

Two new railway stations being built near to Bristol "may well" connect directly with each other, according to the Mayor of the West of England (Weca).

Work is ongoing to reopen the line between Bristol and Portishead, and progress is being made on a new station in Filton, which was recently named Bristol Brabazon. Both are set to welcome their first passengers in 2028.

The Portishead Line is planned to connect directly onto the Henbury Line via Bristol Temple Meads, before connecting to Filton.

Appearing on BBC Radio Bristol, Weca mayor Helen Godwin confirmed that both stations "may well" directly connect to "open up the whole region" to people in those areas.

The line to Portishead shut in 1964 as part of the Beeching Cuts, which aimed to make the railways more profitable. However, work is now ongoing to reopen it as part of the wider Metro West scheme, to encourage more people onto public transport.

As part of the work, new stations will be built in Portishead and Pill, with three miles of new track being laid to connect the two towns. A new line will also be added in Pill so that trains can pass each other.

The restored railway will provide an hourly direct train from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads in about 25 minutes.

"We want to get people out into North Somerset, but equally, there are people that commute into Bristol and beyond from that part of our region," Godwin said.

"So, it's about opening up the whole region, for all of us."

Bristol Brabazon is being built on the existing Henbury line and will serve the Aviva Arena music venue, being created on the old Filton Airfield.

Lord Hendy, rail minister, said: "Previously cut off passengers will have a rail service for the first time in over 60 years opening up new opportunities."

Network Rail is hosting drop-in sessions so residents can find out more about the work on the Portishead line, with more information available here.

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