Network Rail to reopen Portishead line by December 2028

On 1 May 2026 construction contracts worth GBP 200 million were signed at Bristol Temple Meads for reopening the line to Portishead, closed to passengers since 1964: Morgan Sindall Infrastructure builds the track and roadworks in Portishead, Colas Rail a digital signalling system, and AmcoGiffen the bridges and roadworks in Bristol. The scheme provides two new stations at Pill and Portishead and the renewal of nearly 5 km of track; Network Rail leads the project, which is funded by the Department for Transport, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council. Work is already under way, more than 50,000 people are to gain a rail connection once the line opens, and passengers are to need about 25 minutes from Portishead and about 20 from Pill to reach Bristol Temple Meads. Announced on 1 May 2026 (contract signing); the date is a placeholder: the article names only December 2028 for the opening (LOK Report, 6 May 2026).