A contractor has now been appointed to build stations at Pill and Portishead, bringing Network Rail a step closer to the restoration of the former railway line which has been out of use since 1964. The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick as the primary contractor follows the Department for Transport announcement of planning consent in November last year.
Once complete, the new passenger service will connect 50,000 residents to the railway network by reopening a line that was closed in 1964. The Portishead scheme is part of the MetroWest programme, which will bring suburban services to more stations across the west of England.
Over the next 12-18 months the project team will complete the detailed design phase, as well as ground and ecology surveys and enabling works, while preparing the full business case for decision makers. David Davidson, Network Rail’s interim Western route director, said: “We’re delighted to have awarded the contract for the restoration of the Portishead to Bristol line to VolkerFitzpatrick, reaching an important milestone for the reintroduction of passenger services.
READ MORE: Reopening of Bristol footpath delayed due to 'unexpected issue'
“The railway line has been long awaited and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver this major scheme which will play a significant role in supporting sustainable travel in and around Bristol.”
Paul Lilley, operations director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “I am delighted that Network Rail has chosen to work with VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver this important project, including the new stations on this revitalised line. Our team is excited to be part of these plans to connect communities, create a better-connected transport network and support the region’s ambition to be net-zero carbon by 2030.”
Dan Norris, metro mayor of the West of England, said: “This is another important milestone passed which further oils the wheels when it comes to re-opening the much-loved Bristol to Portishead line. This is a really important project that will see communities in south Bristol and across our city reconnected to Portishead and help keep us firmly on the right track when it comes to reaching our ambitious West of England net-zero-by-2030 target. I look forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick as we begin the hard work of physically bringing this rail line back to life.”
Councillor Steve Bridger, leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for major projects, said: “This is another important step forward for the Portishead to Bristol rail line and we look forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick as we deliver this vital project.
“The reopened line and stations at Portishead and Pill will reconnect 50,000 residents with the rail network, whilst unlocking opportunities for our communities to access regional growth, now and in the future. The line will also offer a sustainable alternative to the roads, giving residents more choice as to how they travel, helping us realise our ambition of net-zero carbon in North Somerset by 2030.”
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway added: “This is good news for Portishead, Bristol and the wider area and is a step forward to realise the MetroWest aspirations. This latest development will be welcomed by customers, and we look forward to continuing to work with the West of England Combined Authority on how we can help deliver their plans and meet their aspirations to improve sustainable local transport.”
The £6.14m contract is part of the scheme to reopen the line, which is funded by the Government’s Restoring Your Railway fund, Department for Transport, West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.
READ NEXT:
Voi calls on Government to make decision on e-scooters as future remains uncertain
Loss of bus services will create a ‘massive hole in communities’
‘More annoyance to come’ as other bridges in Bristol need repairs after Gaol Ferry
North Filton Station gets green light as approval fast-tracked by council
YTL Arena Bristol's impact on transport and parking up for public consultation
