Posted 8th July 2025

Rail upgrades confirmed by government

Investment in rail and road schemes announced in last month's spending review has been confirmed by the Department for Transport, but one transport campaigning group has criticised the proportion to be spent on new roads.

The rail schemes are three reopened stations, the reinstatement of the line between Bristol and Portishead, and 'significant government funding' for the Midlands Rail Hub, which will mean more trains on more routes.

The additional stations will be at Wellington in Somerset, Cullompton in Devon and Haxby in North Yorkshire.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.

'With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

'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.'

However, the Campaign for Better Transport's chief executive Ben Plowden said: 'We’re pleased to see a number of important rail projects being given the green light today. In particular, we’re glad to see the Bristol to Portishead line finally getting the go ahead. This line was one of the projects under the Government’s hastily cancelled Restoring Your Railway Fund – also responsible for the successful Northumberland Line reopening – which we have urged the Government to reinstate to ensure other key reopening projects can also move forward.

'We are however disappointed that many more road schemes are being given the go ahead today. The best way to ease congestion, cut journey times and bring greater access to jobs and opportunities across the country is not by building more roads. It is by prioritising public transport and reducing future car dependency by putting new housing in the right place where it can be connected to public transport, walking and cycling networks from day one.'

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