Network Rail signals Bristol station expansion

Network Rail is planning to overhaul Bristol Temple Meads station, as part of the wider upgrade and electrification of the Great Western railway.

The rail operator plans to expand the station to ease congestion, to provide a new eastern entrance and to bring two disused platforms back into service.

Network Rail is currently carrying out a feasibility study into the scheme, which is dependant on government funding.

Patrick Hallgate, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “Growing Bristol’s railway is vital to the success of the city’s new enterprise zone. A robust rail infrastructure is vital to a thriving economy and the rail industry is poised to support Bristol with an integrated rail strategy.

“Bristol Temple Meads is located right at the heart of the enterprise zone and is among the busiest and fastest growing rail interchanges on the Western route, receiving more than nine million passengers on average every year.

“Redeveloping the station into a world-class rail gateway, with excellent rail links, will be significant to help position the new business district as an ideal location for investment, whilet boosting economic growth and catering for growing rail demand.”