Henbury Loop Transport chiefs to take another look at reopening line

WO growing parts of Bristol could soon be connected by trains as transport planners will take another look at the ‘Henbury Loop!

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter alex.seabroot achplc.com

How the new train station at Brabazon could look; Inset left Cllr Mark Watson has long advocated for the Henbury Loop to be reopened

Campaigners have long called for passenger train services running from north Bristol over to Avonmouth, effectively creating a circle line around the city.

Over the next few years the Henbury line will be reopened for passengers with new stations built in Henbury and North Filton near the YTL Arena. These will allow gig-goers and local residents to catch the train into Temple Meads. But at Henbury the trains will simply turn around.

There is already an existing railway line that runs from Henbury west to Avonmouth, connecting up with the Severn Beach line. But this is only used by freight trains at the moment.

A decade ago the region's leading politicians ruled out reopening this for passengers.

Stephen Peacock, chief executive of the West of England Combined Authority, said reopening this line could form part of an upcoming transport strategy. Speaking to councillors on the overview and scrutiny committee, he said poor transport links are impeding the region's economic growth.