The project to re‐open the Portishead line to passenger rail services is now part of the MetroWest programme to improve local rail services across the West of England. MetroWest will use both existing and disused rail lines that feed into and across Bristol, operating half-hourly services subject to a proven business case being made and infrastructure constraints. Phase 1 of the programme includes re‐opening the Portishead rail line to passenger services and increasing the frequency of services on the Severn Beach and Bath lines.

The initial technical feasibility work carried out over the last 12 months is set out in the Preliminary Business Case, which was endorsed by the West of England Joint Transport Board on the 12 September. Its key findings are: the project gives high value for money, has a sound commercial footing, is financially affordable and is deliverable in 2019. The Preliminary Business Case was also approved by North Somerset Council on 23rd October, including its £1.495m share of funding to progress the next stages of the project.

The long-awaited restoration of quadruple track on Filton bank, between Bristol Temple Meads and Parkway stations, has finally been given the go ahead by Network Rail. The £33million upgrade will start in December. Four tracks are crucial to increasing the frequency of local services as part of MetroWest.

The Portishead reopening project is expected to progress to full business case approval in 2017, with construction starting in 2017 and services introduced in 2019.

On 18th November at the AGM of the Portishead Railway Group, which is affiliated to Railfuture and has been campaigning since 2000 to reopen the line, a presentation of the work required was given and members discussed where they should focus their campaign efforts over the next 5 years.

North Somerset: Portishead Rail Services newsletter showing infrastructure requirements and timescales.

Filton Bank upgrade report