Bristol’s first new railway station in almost a century has been officially opened.
The new £5.8m Portway Park and Ride station, near Shirehampton and Avonmouth to the north west of the city, will be open to the public on Tuesday (August 1).
Transport Secretary Mark Harper joined West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, Cllr Don Alexander from Bristol City Council and other project partners aboard the first train to ride between Bristol Temple Meads and the new station on Monday (July 31).
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The new single platform station connects the existing park and ride scheme with the Severn Beach railway line. It is the first of seven new railway stations set to open in the area as part of multi-million-pound plans to boost the local rail network.
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When the station opens to the public, passengers will be able to access half-hourly services between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth, and an hourly service to Severn Beach.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Today's opening of Portway Park and Ride Station is the latest example of this Government's plan to invest in infrastructure and grow the economy. It will provide a boost to Bristol and its surrounding area by improving local transport links while connecting passengers to business hubs and thousands of high-skilled job opportunities.”
Bristol City Council has also expanded the number of free parking spaces at the park and ride facility, from 555 to 792. The council said there are also plans to reconfigure the entrance to the site, so more buses can access it from both directions.
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Cllr Alexander, who is cabinet member for Transport and represents the Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston ward, said completion of work of the new station, which began early last year, was “a key step” towards better connectivity in the Bristol area.
Mr Alexander said: “We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our project partners and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this station will have on our city, as we now look forward to Ashley Down railway station opening too."
Construction of the Ashley Down station began in March and is due to last for a year before opening in 2024. New stations at North Filton and Henbury are expected to open in 2026.
Earlier this year engineering and construction firm Volkerfitzpatrick was awarded a £6.14m contract by Network Rail to help restore an abandoned railway line between Portishead and Bristol, which will see new stations in the North Somerset town and nearby Pill.
Prior to Portway, Parson Street in Bedminster was the last Bristol Station to open back in 1927.