Major announcement for South West's transport system
The rail line which last served passengers 60 years ago is reinstated with Government support
Last updated 8th Jul 2025
It's a big day for rail passengers across the South West of England - who are set to benefit from significantly enhanced train connectivity.
It comes as the Government has announced the reinstatement of passenger services between Portishead and Bristol City Centre, along with plans for two brand new stations - pledging an extra £27.6 million to get it reopen.
The scheme will be delivered in partnership with West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council who are providing local funding contributions.
Today’s announcement also includes two new stations between Exeter and Taunton, providing new connections across the South West.
This infrastructure is promised to support the towns of Cullompton and Wellington and provide new opportunities for local jobs and housing growth.
The Government is also approving the A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot scheme, as well as continuing to support five more local road schemes across the South West. These junctions, bypasses and traffic-easing projects are promised to ease thousands of congested commutes and unlock further housing and jobs.
Improvements to the A350 Chippenham Bypass will see dualling of single carriageway sections to improve capacity and safety as well as improvements to traffic signals, widening lanes and altering slip roads. Improvements to the A38 Manadon Interchange will see the creation of additional lanes on slip roads and on the A38 Parkway.
A package of targeted improvements to key junctions including localised road widening will be funded at the A374/A386/A364 at Plymouth, and the A38 North Somerset (formerly Bristol Airport Access) will see improvements at four junctions for faster journey times.
Improvements to junction 17 of the M4 with the A350 junction will also be funded, providing extra capacity by installing traffic signals, widening lanes and altering slip roads , whilst the A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot will benefit from a package of improvements including highway realignment and widening, upgrading of four junctions including two new roundabouts, a new link road, and new pedestrian and cycle paths.
'Transport is the backbone of our economy'
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.
“We are also bringing back rail services between Portishead and Bristol City Centre to better connect people with jobs, education, and new opportunities.
“With over £92 billion investment we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
The Bristol to Portishead scheme will be delivered in partnership with West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council who are providing significant local funding contributions.
It comes as the Government greenlights over fifty road and rail upgrades across the country, as part of the £92 billion of transport investment in the Spending Review, supporting 42,000 jobs, enabling 1.5 million new homes, and improving connectivity for 50,000 people as part of its Plan for Change.