Campaigners Push for Reopening of Forgotten Uphill Railway Station
Councillors in North Somerset have been urged to press for the reopening of a forgotten railway station in Weston-super-Mare, which campaigners argue could significantly benefit the local community and infrastructure. The Bristol Rail Campaign is leading the charge, suggesting that a revived Uphill railway station could serve key locations including Weston Hospital, Weston College's Loxton campus, nearby residential estates, and provide improved access to Uphill Beach and local walking trails.
Strategic Location on the Loop Line
The proposed station would be situated on the loop line that branches off from the Bristol to Exeter main line after Worle, stopping at Weston Milton and Weston-super-Mare railway station in the town centre. Christina Biggs, the campaigns lead for the Bristol Rail Campaign, emphasized to a North Somerset Council scrutiny panel on February 26 that the council should advocate for funding from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to reopen the station, particularly if North Somerset joins WECA as expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
Ms Biggs stated: "The idea is that you are not holding anything up on the mainline. You are just using the local trains that would stop at Weston Milton, Worle, and Weston-super-Mare." This strategic positioning aims to minimize disruption while maximizing connectivity for local commuters and visitors.
Historical Context and Modern Proposal
The original Uphill railway station opened in 1871, just south of the cutting through the hill crossed by Devil's Bridge, followed by Uphill Junction railway station in 1884 to the north. The Bristol Rail Campaign proposes a new station in a slightly different location to ensure it is on the loop line, enhancing its utility for serving Weston Milton and Weston-super-Mare directly. This adjustment is seen as a minor but crucial improvement over the historical sites.
Funding and Feasibility
With a public consultation on North Somerset Council joining WECA running until April 10, Ms Biggs highlighted that WECA has millions of pounds in transport funding available. She suggested the council should request a feasibility study for reopening Uphill station as an introductory project. "It's something you could quite reasonably ask of WECA as an introductory thing or taster," she noted, drawing parallels to WECA's involvement in funding the reopening of the Portishead Railway, expected in 2028 after a decades-long campaign.
Compared to the Portishead Line, Ms Biggs pointed out that Uphill is relatively straightforward: "Uphill is pretty minor because it's on an existing line. You don't have any of the problems of the Portishead Line." This simplicity could make it a more feasible and cost-effective project for initial transport investments.
Next Steps and Council Decision
North Somerset Council has yet to debate or decide whether pursuing the Uphill railway station project aligns with its priorities. However, the campaign underscores the potential for improved public transport, economic development, and community access in the region. As discussions progress, the focus remains on leveraging WECA membership to secure necessary funding and conduct a thorough feasibility assessment.
The push to reopen Uphill station represents a broader effort to enhance rail connectivity in North Somerset, building on existing infrastructure to serve growing educational, healthcare, and residential needs while promoting sustainable travel options.
