A huge step has been taken towards opening a railway line between Portishead and Bristol after the government committed £15.5m to finish the project. The transport scheme, which would see passenger trains running between Bristol and the North Somerset town for the first time since 1964, has been hit with delays.
North Somerset Council says this has caused costs to rise unexpectedly to £152m which has created a £35.5m funding shortfall, but the Department of Transport has now committed extra money to close this gap. The council is also providing £10m, and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is due to meet today (July 29) to reach an agreement on contributing a further £10m.
Councillor Steve Bridger, leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for major projects, said: “This is more good news for Portishead, Pill and the region. As part of MetroWest Phase 1b, Portishead rail is one of our key schemes with the potential to transform the area through greener travel, access to jobs and sustainable economic growth.
