Bristol to Portishead railway line faces funding shortfall despite council approval for construction. Project awaits decision from the Department for Transport.
A railway line linking Bristol and Portishead still requires £30-50 million in funding before construction can begin, according to North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell. Despite council leaders approving measures to commence building, Bell highlighted the financial gap preventing the project's immediate advancement. The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently evaluating the council's proposal for potential funding.
Bell expressed optimism, stating that the extensive groundwork over many years has been successfully completed, leaving funding approval from the central government as the final hurdle. He emphasized the need for a swift decision from the DfT, as delays have escalated costs. The project, initially planned for funding under the now-axed Restoring Your Railway programme, aims to establish new stations in Portishead town centre and Pill, contributing to the Metrowest mass transportation network. The £152 million project was slated to receive partial funding from the DfT, which had already committed approximately £45 million upfront as part of the Restoring Your Railway fund. Additional contributions were expected from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and North Somerset Council
RAILWAY PORTH BRISTOL FUNDING DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION
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