THE opening of the new Ashley Down station is a significant step forward in efforts to boost public transport and connectivity.
Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with contributions from GWR and Bristol City Council, Ashley Down becomes a new stop on the hourly service between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood. Further stations are planned at North Filton and Henbury in the next few years.
The construction of the station on the site of the former Ashley Hill station, which shut in 1964, was carried out by Network Rail and its contractor.
It follows the opening of the rail station at the Portway park and ride last year – the first new station in Bristol for 100 years.
Network Rail route director Marcus Jones said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve reached this amazing milestone – two stations opening in the Bristol area within a year is an incredible achievement.
“As our second, Ashley Down has been a huge success story throughout its construction. Delivered with a spotless safety record, on time and on budget, it’s a real testament to the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.
“It’s a clear demonstration of what we can achieve together and it’s another step forward in improving local rail travel options in the West of England.
Work to create a gateway to Ashley Down station has been carried out by Bristol City Council and its contractors.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport & Connectivity Committee, said: “We’re thrilled to see another station opening in Bristol. It will be a valuable asset for people in the area who will have a convenient new way to travel to Bristol Temple Meads and beyond.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to people who live near the station for their patience while all the works were carried out. We hope they will enjoy their new station and the benefits it will bring.
West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “We need to get more people travelling by train – that’s why I’ve committed funding to support more frequent services on popular local routes including the Henbury Line.
“Ashley Down is the first of three new stations along the line with North Filton and Henbury planned over the next few years.
“I know people living in this part of Bristol will warmly welcome the new station which will give them more sustainable travel options to get into the centre of the city. The last time people caught a train here, astronaut Neil Armstrong hadn’t walked on the moon.”
The Ashley Down station project partnership includes the West of England Combined Authority working with Bristol City Council, Network Rail, Great Western Railway and Sustrans.
For ticket information go to GWR.com/AshleyDown