MetroWest is a project to transform rail services in Bristol and the surrounding West of England region.
A crucial part of the West of England Combined Authority’s plans to decarbonise the transport network, MetroWest is an ambitious multi-year programme to transform rail services in Bristol and the surrounding West of England region, improving connectivity and enhancing the local economy.
MetroWest phase one is built around reinstating the line to Portishead, with phase two looking at introducing a passenger service and new stations on a rail line to Henbury. The Mayoral Combined Authority are working to deliver this systematic upgrade to the regions rail network in partnership with Network Rail and local councils. We anticipate seven new stations and five new or enhanced rail services for the region by 2028.
The first of the new stations in the programme, Portway Park & Ride Station opened in August 2023. Construction began on the next new railway station in the programme at Ashley Down in March 2023; its platforms, footbridge, and lift are now in place.
Half hourly services on the Severn Beach, Westbury and Gloucester lines out of Bristol Temple Meads have been funded by the West of England Combined Authority. This means for example more frequent services at Portway Park & Ride, Westbury and Yate.
Plans to re-open the Portishead line, with new stations at Pill and Portishead, have progressed into the detailed design phase. The project will provide an hourly direct link from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads in 25 minutes, along one of the most scenic stretches of railway in the country, through the Avon Gorge and past the Clifton suspension bridge. Restoring the branch line that was closed in 1964 will connect more than 50,000 people to the railway network.
Planning applications for new MetroWest rail stations at Charfield and North Filton have been approved. Detailed design works are being progressed in 2024 ahead of Full Business Case submissions in 2024. The target is for these stations to be open by 2027.