Regional mayor claims victory in Portishead railway reopening funding fight

UK: West Of England Mayor Dan Norris has announced a ‘landmark’ agreement with the government which paves the way for construction works needed to restart passenger services on the Bristol to Portishead line to begin this summer to enable operation by the end of 2027.

A peak-time train journey between Bristol and Portishead is expected to take 23 min, compared to 50 min by car or 1 h 5 min by bus.

On February 19, Norris said Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy had written to him with confirmation of the deal. ‘This is a massive moment for the west of England: one that generations have eagerly waited to see’, said Norris. ’This is great news for residents, businesses,…