South West Faces Multimillion Bill Due to Railway Line Delays

The Portishead Line experienced a £30 million cost increase, which the West will cover. The government has now approved the railway reopening, a decision that had been uncertain since July, following the cancellation of funding for the project. The total project cost was then £152 million.

Now moving forward, the delay created the said £30 million gap. According to the council, inflation and building costs contributed to the increase. The West of England authority will contribute an additional £27 million, with North Somerset Council providing £3 million more.

Mike Bell described the project as transformative. The line will connect 50,000 people to rail, providing easy access to jobs across the South West. He emphasized the long-term benefits for the area, and that they are actively pushing it with other groups.

These additional funds bridge the project’s gap. Trains may start running in 2027, Bell hopes, marking the first time in nearly 60 years. The council approvedthe project in January 2024, when funding came from the combined authority, government, and council.

Originally, the government’s approval meant covering future costs. However, a new government identified a £22 billion deficit, leading to cuts in the railway program funding designated to help fund the Portishead Line.

Despite this setback, the government has now approved it. A dedicated campaign advocated for the line’s revival. Metro Mayor Dan Norris and council leaders engaged in meetings, and Sadik Al-Hassan presented a petition to Parliament.

Bell expressed his gratitude to those who worked diligently on project. He specifically thanked Mayor Dan Norris for his support, as well as MP Sadik Al-Hassan for backing the initiative.

Norris hailed it as a massive moment. He emphasized that generations have waited for this development, which benefits both residents and businesses. According to him, it’s a historically defining moment for the region.

The railway plans include new stations in Portishead and Pill, with trains heading to Bristol Temple Meads station. It will also require building just over three miles of new track. While part of the line is already restored, upgrades are needed to accommodate passengers in addition to freight.

The anticipated benefits include a 5.5% reduction in car travel and the potential to unlock approximately £43 million in annual growth. Work is scheduled to commence in the summer of this year, with the goal of having trains operational by 2027.