Work has begun to restore passenger rail services between Portishead and Bristol for the first time in more than 60 years, backed by more than £63 million of government investment.
The project will reinstate the Portishead line and build two new stations at Portishead and Pill. The government said it would reconnect more than 50,000 people in North Somerset to the railway network.
Services are due to begin in 2028, with passengers expected to be able to travel directly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes. The line is planned to provide an hourly service calling at Pill, Parson Street and Bedminster.
The scheme includes upgrading 5.5 miles of existing freight railway and restoring three miles of former railway. The government said the project would support jobs, housing and investment, and create an estimated £43 million of economic growth for the region each year.
Portishead is described by the government as one of the largest towns in England without a railway station. In time, the restored line is expected to connect through to Bristol Brabazon and the new Aviva Arena.
Train services on the line are being developed by Great Western Railway. The government said GWR services will be brought into public ownership in December this year and will ultimately form part of Great British Railways.