MetroWest forms a key part of a range of ambitious plans to improve transport links across the West of England. As Bristol Temple Meads sits at its heart, MetroWest will be key to the wider connectivity of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.
MetroWest will link up major growth areas in the Enterprise Zone and the five Enterprise Areas in the West of England. The project will be split into several phases:
- The MetroWest Phase 1 project proposes to re-open the Portishead rail line to passenger train services and to enhance local passenger train services on the Severn Beach and Bath to Bristol lines. Local councils are currently working with Network Rail to develop a staged approach to delivering the scheme, following the identification of significant project cost increases, with an aspiration to deliver the first stage (service improvements on the Severn Beach & Bath corridors) by 2020.
- The MetroWest Phase 2 project proposes to re-open the Henbury Line to an hourly spur passenger service (with new stations at Ashley Down, North Filton and Henbury) and to increase train frequencies to Yate to half-hourly. Due to be delivered in 2021.
- The West of England councils are investigating the potential for new stations at Saltford, Ashton Gate and Corsham. These stations are not part of the current MetroWest programme and are subject to business cases being completed and funding being identified.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest developments by visiting the MetroWest website.