Bristol Temple Meads to Portishead
A line which died and has been reopened for freight traffic and which is yet to reopen to passengers.
A line which died and has been reopened for freight traffic and which is yet to reopen to passengers.
Railways to Portishead - useful links
The Portishead Railway Group are campaigning for the re-opening of the Portishead branch for passenger use and have a most excellent site at http:- www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/
Paul Gregory, webmaster is to be congratulated on his extremely detailed and very professional site which contains history, maps, photographs and even videos.. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you click on the link above, and explore.
The CRS coverage of the Portishead branch is limited to pictures obtained on two railtours and a minibus visit to the area many years ago, and for these pictures we are mainly indebted to Roger Winnen.
Another railway which served Portishead is the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Railway. Paul Gregory is also webmaster to the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Railway Group which is purely historical - you'll find their excellent website at http://www.wcpr.org.uk/.
A brief history of the branch from the Portishead Railway Group website.
Many thanks to Paul Gregory for permission to use the following.
The main GWR station was demolished in 1954 to enable access to the new Portishead B Power Station, and a modern terminus station was built where the Waitrose petrol station stands today. The new station opened on 4 January 1954, but didn’t have a very long life, because the branch line was closed to passengers on 7 September 1964 and to normal goods on 1 May 1967. Fortunately, the line was not taken up because it remained open for private freight from the docks until 1981.
The line continued to be used for football specials until 1977, but only the short distance to Ashton Gate. Then in 1985 the line was used for the GWR150 celebrations, for which a run-round loop was built in Portishead. There had been many attempts over the years to reopen the line but without success. Even in 1966, Portishead Town Council were pressing for the line to be reopened!
However, once the Royal Portbury Dock (opened in 1978) became fully established, it became viable to open the branch line again to enable cars to be transported from the docks. At a cost of £21m the line reopened in 2002 but only as far as the Portbury docks and for freight only. The remaining old track (just 3.3 miles) still exists into Portishead and surely one day must be reopened.
As you will see from the Portishead Railway Groups website http:- www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/ plans are now for the line to be opened to a new station at Portishead in 2019.
Many thanks to Paul Gregory for permission to use the following.
The main GWR station was demolished in 1954 to enable access to the new Portishead B Power Station, and a modern terminus station was built where the Waitrose petrol station stands today. The new station opened on 4 January 1954, but didn’t have a very long life, because the branch line was closed to passengers on 7 September 1964 and to normal goods on 1 May 1967. Fortunately, the line was not taken up because it remained open for private freight from the docks until 1981.
The line continued to be used for football specials until 1977, but only the short distance to Ashton Gate. Then in 1985 the line was used for the GWR150 celebrations, for which a run-round loop was built in Portishead. There had been many attempts over the years to reopen the line but without success. Even in 1966, Portishead Town Council were pressing for the line to be reopened!
However, once the Royal Portbury Dock (opened in 1978) became fully established, it became viable to open the branch line again to enable cars to be transported from the docks. At a cost of £21m the line reopened in 2002 but only as far as the Portbury docks and for freight only. The remaining old track (just 3.3 miles) still exists into Portishead and surely one day must be reopened.
As you will see from the Portishead Railway Groups website http:- www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/ plans are now for the line to be opened to a new station at Portishead in 2019.
Map from the British Railways timetable June 18th to September 23rd 1951
The cover of the time table - from the Late Jon Wood collection
The Bristol Temple Meads to Portishead Timetable 76 from the British Railways Passenger Timetable for the period June 18th to September 23rd 1951. The late Jon Wood Collection.
Bristol Temple Meads
A view looking down on the western approach to Bristol Temple Meads taken on the 31st January 1981. The double tracks serving the Bristol Tramways routes to Knowle and Brislington crossed this bridge until 1941, when wartime bombs brought tramway operation in Bristol to an end. Copyright Roger Winnen
Bedminster One mile from Bristol TM
Bedminster in 1986, looking towards Bristol Temple Meads. There are no station buildings to speak of, other than 'bus shelters'. Access from street level below is by steps. Copyright Roger Winnen
Bedminster is honoured by the presence of Class 33 'Earl of Mountbatten' on the 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
It could almost be a service to Portishead but alas it is not. This picture, taken at Bedminster on the 28th Aug 1986, is of a service to Weston super Mare. Copyright Roger Winnen
Parson Street One and three quarter miles from Bristol TM
Parson Street Station, the Portishead branch forks right just beyond the distant bridge. This view is dated 20th October 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen
Parson Street station on the 28th May 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen
Parson Street Junction
Parson Street Junction, just to the west of Parson Street. There was, at one time, a west curve - forming a triangle at this point. Copyright Roger winnen
Parson Street Junction, looking, one could say, a 'little disused'! on the 28th May 1996. Seen from an up train. Copyright Roger Winnen N.B The sidings alongside the main line now form Bristol Freightliner Terminal.
Approaching Parson Street Junction
A view from the Bristolian Railtour as it approached Parson Street Junction after its visit to Ashton Gate on the 30th April 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen
Afternoon Keith,
Last week my team and I completed a full inspection of drainage assets between Ashton Gate level crossing and Portbury Jn.
Two pictures attached including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton No.1 tunnel (built for double track) and Portbury Jn which is just beyond Pill station.
Hopefully at some point in the relatively near future we will see passenger services to Portishead.
We had fantastic weather and great scenery.
Kind Regards,
Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM
Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)
Last week my team and I completed a full inspection of drainage assets between Ashton Gate level crossing and Portbury Jn.
Two pictures attached including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton No.1 tunnel (built for double track) and Portbury Jn which is just beyond Pill station.
Hopefully at some point in the relatively near future we will see passenger services to Portishead.
We had fantastic weather and great scenery.
Kind Regards,
Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM
Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)
Pictures taken on this inspection are included below :-
A magnificent picture taken by Mark Howells. Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton No.1 tunnel (built for double track) taken at 13.06 on the 28th March 2022. Copyright Mark Howells, Network Rail.
Portbury Junction, which is just beyond Pill station taken at - 11.37 29th March 2022. Copyright Mark Howells, Network Rail. This is a most interesting picture showing the current operational line to Portbury dock bearing away to the right. Ahead lie the metals of the line towards Portishead station currently disconnected and gated off.
Ashton Gate Junction
Ashton Junction Signal Box pictured from the level crossing on the 10th June 1989 . Copyright Roger Winnen.
Looking towards Parson St we see Ashton Gate Signalbox, and its level crossing. .The lines in the foreground drop away towards Wapping Wharf. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ashton Gate Junction Signalbox. Copyright Roger Winnen
It's the 18th November 1968 and we're aboard the Cheddar Valley Railtour en route to Portishead. We've just passed Aston Gate Signalbox - the lines to Wapping Wharf drop away to our right and ahead lie the platforms of Ashton Gate Halt. Ashton Gate Halt was opened to serve the football ground on 23rd May 1926 and closed on the 7th September 1964. Copyright Keith Jenkin
This is a view looking in the Portishead direction, taken from the last coach of the 'Bristolian' Railtour as it departed to head back towards the main line. The member of staff seen walking away from the scene is going off duty. As the train had been topped and tailed by 37's there was no need to use the run round facilities (if any existed here) and observers will note a sleeper across the up line. 30th April 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ashton Gate Halt Three miles from Bristol TM
Ashton Gate Station on the 20th October 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen
The 'Bristolian Railtour' has arrived at Ashton Gate, topped and tailed by 37's. The passengers, eager to get their pictures, rapidly de-train, cameras in hand. It is the 30th April 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen
Back on the train again, except Roger Winnen! The train crew prepare to head back to the main line. 30th April 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen
From the Portishead end of the railtour, looking along the branch towards Portishead - it was frustrating to think that Portishead was only eight and a half miles away but that we were going no further! 30th April 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen
The Bristolian departs from Ashton Bridge on the 30th April 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen
A visit to Ashton Gate Halt on 10th June 1989.
Ashton Gate Halt - In this view one can clearly see wagons stored in the siding leading down towards Wapping Wharf on 10th June 1989 (N.B. Access to the platform was completely open at the time.)
Walking along the down platform and looking back towards the junction. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen
Ron Kosys writes :- In 2005 I renewed my links with Bristol Airport but my visits were nowhere near as frequent as they were in the mid-1980s. Most of the time they seemed to coincide with poor weather. I got enough of that at home.
On 19th May 2009 I was heading for the M4 at Avonmouth and negotiating the roads around Ashton Gate when I noticed through the houses an mgr sitting at the commencement of the Portbury branch. They normally sat here waiting for the barriers at the level crossing to drop before entering the Gorge and heading for the docks at Portbury. Close to the level crossing was a bridge from which I could photograph the mgr. But would I make it in time?
The traffic crawled towards the A4; the barriers dropped just as I was approaching the crossing. A quick left into a convenient lay-by. Grab a camera and run up onto the bridge, to get totally soaked and a phot of 66070 heading for Portbury with the 4F61 1050 empties from Aberthaw Power Station.
This was the only time I managed to photograph a freight on the Portbury branch.
Many thanks Ron.
On 19th May 2009 I was heading for the M4 at Avonmouth and negotiating the roads around Ashton Gate when I noticed through the houses an mgr sitting at the commencement of the Portbury branch. They normally sat here waiting for the barriers at the level crossing to drop before entering the Gorge and heading for the docks at Portbury. Close to the level crossing was a bridge from which I could photograph the mgr. But would I make it in time?
The traffic crawled towards the A4; the barriers dropped just as I was approaching the crossing. A quick left into a convenient lay-by. Grab a camera and run up onto the bridge, to get totally soaked and a phot of 66070 heading for Portbury with the 4F61 1050 empties from Aberthaw Power Station.
This was the only time I managed to photograph a freight on the Portbury branch.
Many thanks Ron.
And here is his picture. 66070 seen at Ashton Gate on the 19th May 2009 with the 4F61 the 1050 Aberthaw - Portbury Copyright Ron Kosys
66303 stands at the former Ashton Gate Halt 18.07 2nd April 2009 Copyright Driver Alan Peters.
Clifton Bridge Halt Three and half miles from Bristol TM
A view looking towards Portishead from the bridge north of Ashton Gate, towards the site of Clifton Bridge station. 10th June 1989. Copyright Roger Winnen
Clifton Bridge station area - 24th August 2018 - David Field
Over the last couple of weeks Freightliner Heavy Haul have been running an evening service from East Usk Yard in South Wales, along the Portbury Branch to Portbury Coal Terminal near Bristol.
Noting you don't have many recent photos of trains operating on the branch, I thought I would send you these of Freightliner's 66549 passing the site of the former Clifton Bridge station on 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal at 1824 on 24th August 2018.
It was raining heavily at the time, which shows how our railways continue their work, come rain or shine, in some pretty dismal conditions.
I hope they are of interest to your members. Regards, Dave Field Many thanks David.
Over the last couple of weeks Freightliner Heavy Haul have been running an evening service from East Usk Yard in South Wales, along the Portbury Branch to Portbury Coal Terminal near Bristol.
Noting you don't have many recent photos of trains operating on the branch, I thought I would send you these of Freightliner's 66549 passing the site of the former Clifton Bridge station on 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal at 1824 on 24th August 2018.
It was raining heavily at the time, which shows how our railways continue their work, come rain or shine, in some pretty dismal conditions.
I hope they are of interest to your members. Regards, Dave Field Many thanks David.
66549 heads through the rain towards the site of Clifton Bridge station from Bristol on the 425X East Usk Yard 24th August 2018 Copyright David Field
66549 heads past the site of Clifton Bridge station on the 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal. 24th Augst 2018 Copyright David Field
66549 at Clifton Bridge station site on the 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal. Clifton Suspension Bridge can just be seen (top centre) in the distance. 24th August 2018. Copyright David Field
In heavy rain the 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal heads up the Portbury Branch at the site of Clifton Bridge station. 24th August 2018. Copyright David Field
From Clifton Suspension Bridge
The date is 17th April 2001 and there are signs of life on the Portishead branch as workmen are obviously checking and refettling the track for coal traffic. Clifton Bridge station and sidings were located in this area. The bridge is 331 feet above high water. Copyright Roger Winnen
A view by Roger Winnen shows Clifton Suspension bridge and at low level the Portishead branch, entering the 59-yard Number 1 tunnel. Copyright
Clifton Suspension Bridge - The plaque at the lookout. 12th April 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen.
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A Plaque to Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Clifton Bridge 17th April 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen
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It's 1975.
At that date the line to Portishead itself was still open for freight, whilst the line into the new Portbury Docks was not opened until about 2000-02. I would suggest therefore that this is probably a return trip of ‘empties’ from Portishead power station. Work is in progress on the suspension bridge. Thanks for the info - from Chris Osment. Copyright John Thorn
Ham Green Halt Seven miles from Bristol TM
Ham Green Halt in 1960, looking towards Bristol. The footpath on the right served passengers for the local hospital. Copyright John Thorn
A train for Bristol slows for Ham Green Halt in 1960. The 663 yard tunnel is seen beyond the approaching DMU. Copyright John Thorn
Fortunately for us John Thorn had time to leave the platform and get this shot of the Halt with its Pagoda shelter. 1960 Copyright John Thorn
Ham Green Tunnel 1960 Copyright John Thorn
Ham Green - the distant signal was for a passing loop just inland opposite Sea Mills. It was always switched out on the Sundays I travelled the line in 1960 - Copyright John Thorn
Pill Tunnel 665 yards
Pill Viaduct 92 yards
82032 crosses Pill Viaduct in 1960. The lane to the right of this photograph was the point from which the next picture was taken. Copyright John Thorn
Pill Viaduct, taken in the period during which the line was mothballed. 2nd July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen
Pill Seven and three quarter miles from Bristol TM
Two views of Pill station. Both looking north. This view clearly shows the up platform, note the M5 bridge in the distance. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen
Another view of Pill from the same overbridge but this time more clearly showing the down platform. 10th June 1989. Copyright Roger Winnen
The Public House at Pill adjacent to the station as seen on 3rd July 1999 Copyright Roger Winnen
The derelict line near Portbury 2nd July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen
Portbury Docks
A couple of pictures of Colas Railfreight 56087 in the sunshine at Portbury Dock on a road learning trip in connection with a coal flow from Portbury Dock to East Usk Power Station on 17th May 2013, of note is the massive M5 Avonmouth Bridge.
Between 2000 and 2001 the Portishead line was rebuilt with a short spur to Portbury Dock which is now a major port for the import of motor vehicles, the coal facility had a large bank built around to protect the cars from the coal dust, where the railway passed through a short tunnel to the loading area which can be seen in the picture although coal imports have now ceased.
Alan Peters
Between 2000 and 2001 the Portishead line was rebuilt with a short spur to Portbury Dock which is now a major port for the import of motor vehicles, the coal facility had a large bank built around to protect the cars from the coal dust, where the railway passed through a short tunnel to the loading area which can be seen in the picture although coal imports have now ceased.
Alan Peters
Copyright Alan Peters
Copyright Alan Peters
66719 stands at Portbury Dock loading imported coal for Ratcliffe Power station 16.52 26th January 2009. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.
Portbury
Portbury station on the 2nd July 1994. Copyright Roger Winnen
This picture 21 years on from the one above, and, yes, you can see the track still in situ! Portbury station following trackside vegetation clearance seen on the 21st November 2015. Copyright David Field
The Portishead Branch viewed from Portbury Station site looking towards Portshead following trackside vegetation clearance. Seen on the 12th November 2015 Copyright David Field
Portishead Eleven and a half miles from Bristol TM
A fine photograph of Portishead station taken in 1960 - about midway through the ten year life of this station. Copyright John Thorn
Just before reaching the second station, the line passed over a waterway called the Portbury Stream. The lines on the adjacent bridge serve Portbury Dock. 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Portishead was on the itinerary for the Cheddar Valley Railtour on the 18th November 1968. However this is about as close as we got to Portishead station. As can be seen from the style, this was the new station opened in 1954, but not to last long - it closed to passengers on the 7th September 1964 and to goods in May 1967. The original Portishead station had been about half a mile further on, the line turning from a northerly heading to bear east into the old station. The original station had opened on the 18th April 1867 (exactly 101 years before the Cheddar Railtour) and closed on the 4th January 1954. Copyright Keith Jenkin
Sidings at Portishead. 23rd June 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen
This is the imposing frontage of the 2nd Portishead Station. Opened in 1954, it was not to last long, being closed on the 7th September 1964. It was not long before the building was converted to a garage. As can be seen in this view, the canopy appears to remain. This picture is copyright of Roger Winnen.
The CRS minibus party on the 2nd July 1994. Sadly, in 2015, we remember three of this happy gathering who are no longer with us. Copyright picture from Roger Winnen, who is seen in this group, fourth from the right. Looking at the picture above with a wire fence disappearing into the water one can appreciate the need for the sign, top left, which as been sadly vandalised.
The Portishead Railway Group are campaigning for the re-opening of the Portishead branch for passenger use and have a most excellent site at http:- www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/
Paul Gregory, webmaster is to be congratulated on this extremely detailed and very professional site which contains history, maps, photographs and even videos.. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you click on the link above, and explore.
Paul Gregory, webmaster is to be congratulated on this extremely detailed and very professional site which contains history, maps, photographs and even videos.. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you click on the link above, and explore.