Portishead Line reopening for passengers - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for your update post here, chuffed.

The Network Rail newsletter is at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-work/our-routes/western/the-portishead-line/ and you can sign up (free) for Network Rail to send you digital updates.

I have done so: it's easy to do.  CfN^▸ (Chris from Nailsea, an administrator on this forum). 

[Phantom]

There is a new Network Rail newsletter on their website dated July 2026 with maps,explanations and photographs.

Do you have the URL please?

[Chris from Nailsea]

Erm ... I've put it in my post above. 

[Phantom]

Erm ... I've put it in my post above. 

No idea how I missed it

[chuffed]

Ahead of the rearranged drop in sessions THIS WEEK... Network rail have produced artists impressions of the Portishead and Pill stations.

They are featured behind a paywall on Bristol Live,,,but as has been reported before on this forum, many of those articles can be accessed without a paywall on Somerset Live...and yes, the same article is there.

However I am unable to copy the URL from my browser bar, to here.

[ChrisB]

However I am unable to copy the URL from my browser bar, to here.

Right click on URL->copy->paste it into thread

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/first-look-two-new-stations-11059308

[chuffed]

Many thanks for doing that Chris B.

[Noggin]

However I am unable to copy the URL from my browser bar, to here.

Right click on URL->copy->paste it into thread

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/first-look-two-new-stations-11059308

Thank you - so is there passive provision for second platforms at Pill and Portishead or are we going to be stuck with a single platform when it inevitably turns into a roaring success and a higher frequency of service is needed?

[Red Squirrel]

I don’t remember any mention of passive provision for additional platforms at either station. Pill will have an old ‘spare’ platform on the Portbury branch, but a new set of points would be needed at the Portishead end to allow trains to access it.

Interestingly the latest animated renderings show the line being served by 2-car Class 165’s - there’s ambitious for you!

You can see the renderings at source here: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/first-look-at-new-portishead-and-pill-stations-as-railway-restoration-progresses

[Mark A]

Useful to compare and contrast with Leven, Tweedbank. Both terminus stations, lengthy island platforms with two faces.

At Tweedbank, there's the issue, when it's time to do so, of how to take the railway onward through the (virtual) fourth wall. Portishead's unlikely to see an extension but it is certainly going to have a wall. How much of the forthcoming structure will need to go in the bin in the unthinkable situation that demand outstrips supply sufficient for the station to need a second platform is anyone's guess.

Mark

[Image from here is not available to guests]

[John D]

New DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) press release regarding reopening to Portishead

First time I have seen journey duration (says 25 mins to Bristol Temple Meads

Also says in time, service will run to Bristol Brabazon and Aviva Arena (doesn't mention Henbury)

More than 50,000 people in North Somerset are a step closer to getting train services back after more than 60 years, as work begins to restore the railway line to Portishead.

The government has invested over £63 million to reconnect Portishead and Pill to the railway network, making journeys quicker, easier and more reliable while supporting jobs, housing and investment across the region.

With services due to begin in 2028, passengers will be able to travel directly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes – less than half the time journeys can take by car during rush hour traffic.

The line will provide an hourly service between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, calling at Pill, Parson Street and Bedminster, improving connections, unlocking housing and employment opportunities and creating an estimated £43 million of economic growth for the region each year.

In time, the restored railway line will eventually connect through to Bristol Brabazon – one of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)’s largest new communities – and the new Aviva Arena, giving residents and visitors fast, easy access to the region’s biggest music, sport and entertainment events.

But does suggest opening is sometime in 2028

The west is moving out of the slow lane, and it is great that Rail Minister Lord Hendy could join us today to see firsthand how we are improving transport across our region. I look forward to hopefully welcoming him back as one of the first passengers when services begin in 2028!

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-stations-faster-journeys-and-better-connections-as-works-begin-to-restore-portishead-line-for-the-first-time-in-60-years