New Bristol train station taking shape as build reaches 'milestone'

Engineers have marked a “critical milestone” in the construction of a new Bristol train station, almost a year after works began. Ashley Down Station is still on track to open ‘later this year’, according to metro mayor Dan Norris.

Its completion will mark a comeback for rail links in the area for the first time in 60 years, after the closure of Ashley Hill station on the same site. It closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching Cuts.

Works to construct the station commenced in March 2023 and has been progressing well according to transport bosses, with a new footbridge installed there over the Christmas period by Network Rail engineers. Two platforms have been in place since last summer.

Metro mayor Mr Norris said: “We are at a critical milestone in getting this brand new station built and open to Ashley Down residents to use and enjoy. I know how hard the team worked over the festive period to get this footbridge installed.

“It really is brilliant to see Ashley Down Station beginning to take shape. Remember the last time there was a station here – 60 years ago this year – Top of the Pops first aired, and man hadn’t yet stepped on the moon.

“I’m proud of my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s radical ‘reverse Beeching’ programme to give residents the new stations and train services they need and deserve.”

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) is funding the station as part of the wider MetroWest Phase 2 project, which will re-introduce passenger services on open the Henbury Line. North Filton and Henbury are also part of the project.

WECA has confirmed that Ashley Down Station is “scheduled to open later this year”, with the installation of the footbridge completing the structural elements along with the two platforms already in place.

Councillor Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “I am delighted to see Ashley Down railway station taking shape, before it opens this year. Work is also underway on a fully accessible route to the station’s entrance, which includes new surfacing, lighting and landscaping.

“It will be wonderful to see the new station open, offering local people another convenient transport option to make local connections and easily link up to regional and national travel via Temple Meads station, as we continue building towards the mass transit system that Bristolians need and deserve.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris (second right) and Cllr Don Alexander (middle) with others from Network Rail and GWR. Pictured at the new Ashley Down railway station in January

Network Rail industry programme director Daniel Round added: “It’s incredible to see how far we have come in a year – from literally nothing to two platforms, lift shafts and the station footbridge fully in place.

“Ashley Down station is part of the wider investment programme for the West of England that we are working to roll out with our partners – the Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, Great Western Railway and others – to deliver a fundamental change to transport infrastructure on a regional level.”

The wider Metrowest improvements will also deliver an hourly service from Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood, North Filton and Henbury. Rich Middleton, GWR’s growth manager covering the West of England, said: “These hourly new station stops will deliver real sustainable travel opportunities in this part of Bristol, further supporting the communities that we serve.”

An exact opening date has not yet been announced. Read more here about the other new train stations set to open in and around Bristol.