The UK government has confirmed a series of major rail infrastructure investments as part of its 92.8 billion GBP Plan for Change, delivering what it describes as the “biggest boost to England’s transport infrastructure in a generation.”
The announcement details funding for five strategic rail upgrades across the country, aiming to improve regional connectivity, unlock housing growth and support thousands of new jobs.
Reopening of Portishead Line After 60 Years
Among the commitments is the long-anticipated reopening of the railway line between Portishead and Bristol city centre. The government has allocated 27 million GBP to reinstate passenger services along the route, which last operated over 60 years ago.
An hourly service will serve the area, supporting a large new housing development and offering commuters in North Somerset a viable alternative to congested roads.
New Stations in the South West and North
The South West will also benefit from two new stations at Wellington and Cullompton, aimed at improving access to Exeter and supporting surrounding housing developments. These stations are expected to open up new opportunities for education, employment and leisure travel.
In North Yorkshire, the long-delayed station at Haxby, on the outskirts of York, has finally been given the go-ahead. It will bring around 20,000 residents within 3km of a rail station and improve connectivity to both York and Leeds.
Midlands Rail Hub
The Midlands Rail Hub, a longstanding priority for regional leaders, has secured significant funding. Billed as the most ambitious rail improvement scheme ever delivered in the region, the project will enhance services in and out of Birmingham and create new rail links to over 50 locations.
The investment will increase train frequency and seating capacity, reduce journey times, and support wider regional growth. Construction of the hub is projected to generate nearly 13,000 jobs.
East Coast Main Line Upgrades
The East Coast Main Line will receive upgraded digital signalling, aimed at increasing reliability and capacity. The improvements are expected to reduce delays by a third and support the creation of 4,800 skilled jobs across the supply chain, particularly in digital and signalling roles.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.
The confirmed rail funding forms part of a broader 10.2 billion GBP allocation for rail enhancements across England and Wales, prioritising improvements outside of London and the South East. The government says this redresses decades of underinvestment in regional rail and will support housing delivery, local economies and greener transport options.
Other rail schemes with confirmed funding include:
- West Coast Main Line (north and south): Power supply improvements will enable new electric services and prepare the line for growth in passenger and freight traffic, including the rollout of Northern’s electric fleet.
- Leeds Station: Works will improve capacity and passenger experience, including a new concourse, extended platforms, and a southern entrance, as the station prepares for enhanced TransPennine services.
- Manchester Rail Improvements: Enhancements at Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly, along with a new platform at Salford Crescent, will accommodate more trains, longer carriages, and boost service reliability.
- Oxford Capacity Enhancements: Track works and station upgrades will enable more passenger and freight services, supporting regional housing and employment growth.
In a significant commitment to rail investment outside of England, 445 million GBP has also been allocated to projects in Wales. These include:
- Cardiff Central station modernisation
- South Wales Relief Lines upgrade
- Congestion relief on the Wrexham–Liverpool line
- A new Burns station in South Wales
- Accessibility improvements on the North Wales Main Line
Unallocated development funding will also allow the Wales Rail Board to identify and progress new priorities.
Meanwhile, several projects across the UK are currently under review. The government states that it has prioritised schemes with the highest impact, but some projects have been paused for the current spending period, including:
- York Area Capacity and Performance Project
- Peckham Rye Station Congestion Relief
- Midland Main Line Electrification Phase 3
- South West Rail Resilience Programme (Phase 5)
