A seaside town in Somerset is set to get its first train station in more than 70 years, as part of a £152 million railway project that will reconnect it to the national rail network.
Portishead, which lost its station in 1954, is expected to have a new rail link to Bristol Temple Meads by 2027, slashing journey times and boosting the local economy.
The project, known as MetroWest, will also see a new station built in the nearby village of Pill, giving residents more transport options.
The original Portishead Railway Station opened in 1867 and provided a crucial link for the growing town.
But it became one of many casualties of the infamous Beeching cuts, which saw large parts of Britain’s rail network axed in the 1950s and 60s, The Sun reported.
For decades, campaigners pushed for the line to be reinstated, and now the long-awaited project is moving forward.
If construction starts this summer, trains could be running within the next two years.
Once completed, the reopened line will cut travel times between Portishead and Bristol in half, making it easier for commuters and visitors to reach the seaside town.
The railway upgrade will be backed by £30 million in funding, approved in March by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Committee.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris hailed the progress, calling it a “massive moment” for the region.
He said: “The Bristol & Portishead Line was a victim of historic rail cuts, but today, with a Labour government and a Labour mayor, we’re delivering the latest stage of my ‘reverse Beeching’ plan.”
“I’m delighted to confirm that this project is now finally steaming ahead.”
The Portishead Line is projected to bring in £43 million per year in economic benefits, giving a major boost to local businesses and tourism.
Portishead itself has become a popular destination for visitors, known for its open-air swimming pool, scenic Battery Point, and views of the Welsh coastline in the distance.
The improved transport links are expected to make the town even more accessible to tourists and commuters.
While final government approval is still required before construction begins, part of the line has already been restored in preparation for the return of passenger services.
