News 2015 – newer at top Go to latest news ...
Report on Stage 1 Public Consultation published
23 December 2015: MetroWest has published a 185 page report on the Stage 1 Public Consultation which took place between 22 June to 3 August 2015. A total of 858 responses were received. Results show that the vast majority of people support the scheme overall – 95% support them entirely or mainly. See report here …
Contractor chosen for outline design of MetroWest Phase 1
29 July 2015: Arup has been chosen by Network Rail to do the outline design work for MetroWest Phase 1 which includes the Portishead line. See railway-technology.com article 29 July 2015.
PRG display at Sainsbury’s Portishead
3 July 2015: Portishead Railway Group had a display in the the entrance of Sainsbury’s in Portishead on Friday 3 July to inform the public of the current Public Consultation.
Public consultation announced
17 June 2015: A public consultation on the plans for reopening is to be held from 22 June to 3 August. Public exhibitions will be held at Somerset Hall, Portishead on 6 and 8 July, at Pill Community Centre on 10 July, and the Engine Shed, Temple Meads on 2 July, all at 2.00 pm to 7.30 pm and at the Engine Shed, Temple Meads on 13-17 July from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The public will be invited to comment on plans for the stations at Portishead and Pill, car parking, etc. Comments may be made on line at www.travelwest.info/metrowest from 22 June. Leaflets will be available at libraries.
See North Somerset Mercury article 16 June 2015.
Track clearance complete
14 April 2015: The clearance of the trackbed which started in January is now complete. This was to enable a full topographical survey to be undertaken. See North Somerset Times article 20 April 2015.
First Great Western Franchise extended
23 March 2015: The government have announced that First Great Western’s franchise will continue until April 2019. Note that the Portishead branch is due to open in May 2019, i.e under a new franchise. See Bristol Post article 24 March 2015.
Portishead station site decided
17 March 2015: North Somerset Council's executive have formally decided on the location for Portishead railway station. As expected Option 2B (map) has been selected. For further details see New station and North Somerset Council news item.
Portishead level crossing refused
9 March 2015: The Office of Rail Regulation have decided against a level crossing at Quays Avenue. They said that there was no case for exceptional circumstances for a level crossing; there are viable non level crossing options available; and there are significant traffic issues causing safety risks to the operation of the railway.
For further details see Portishead Rail Services Spring 2015.
New Track clearance
19 January 2015: New clearance of vegetation from the trackbed from Portishead to Pill is underway. This is taking place during January and February, to enable a full topographical survey to be undertaken in Spring 2015. This is needed so that GRIP 3 & 4 engineering design work can progress. Photos … See also Bristol Post article 9 January 2015.