A major construction milestone has been delivered at Bristol Brabazon railway station, with the successful installation of a fully accessible footbridge at the former Filton Airfield site.
Over the recent Bank Holiday weekend, a 750‑tonne all‑terrain mobile crane was used to lift nine individual structural components into position, forming the bridge deck and staircases that will link the station’s platforms. The operation marks one of the most visually significant stages of the project to date.
The concrete structures for the two lift shafts were completed last month, and with the stairs and deck now in place, cladding works are set to begin shortly.
Meanwhile, construction of the station platforms is progressing at pace. Installation of platform edge coping stones is already under way, with canopies, furniture, fencing and surfacing scheduled to follow over the coming weeks.
First Passenger Trains Since 1964
Bristol Brabazon station is due to open this autumn, restoring regular passenger services to the Henbury Line for the first time since 1964. The station will serve the growing Brabazon development, a new town emerging on the former Filton Airfield, providing sustainable rail access for residents, businesses and visitors.
A second phase of construction will follow, preparing the station to support the opening of the 20,000‑capacity Aviva Arena in 2028.
Funding and Delivery Partners
The station is being funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with contributions from South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, and Great Western Railway (GWR). Network Rail is a key delivery partner.
Looking ahead, Henbury station is next in line. This week, the Mayoral Combined Authority confirmed that Network Rail has been awarded the contract for detailed design work, building on its role delivering the earlier design stages for Bristol Brabazon, Henbury and Ashley Down stations.
Together, Bristol Brabazon and Henbury stations will serve an area shortlisted as one of the Government’s new towns, supported by the region’s first Mayoral Development Zone, where up to 40,000 new homes could be delivered over the long term. Services from the Henbury Line will also be able to run through Bristol Temple Meads to Portishead, creating a new cross‑regional rail link.
Industry Reaction
Network Rail Western route director Marcus Jones said:
“The installation of the accessible footbridge is a major milestone for Bristol Brabazon station and alongside the ongoing platform construction, marks significant and visible progress.
“Once complete, the new station will play a key role in connecting people to jobs, homes and opportunities, providing sustainable access to everything the wider region has to offer. We’re proud to be part of a project that supports both the growth of this new neighbourhood and stronger transport links across the West of England.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added:
"Last week, we showcased Bristol Brabazon station and the wider emerging new town to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and investors while announcing the region's first Mayoral Development Zone. This week, it's brilliant to see work continue on track for new stations on the Henbury Line.
"The new bridge was installed over the bank holiday at Bristol Brabazon, as we progress towards opening the station later this year - ahead of the Aviva Arena opening and more new homes being delivered. Our combined authority has also confirmed further investment in developing plans for Henbury station, alongside continuing work to upgrade the track to help enable faster trains and more frequent services in the future.
"Our growing regional rail network, with more trains and more stations, is an important part of building a transport system that people across the West can trust. We're using record transport funding from government to make a difference that residents can see and feel, including these new stations."
Councillor Chris Willmore, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for transport, said:
“The installation of the new footbridge marks a major step forward for the station and the wider rail network here in South Gloucestershire and across the West of England.
“Following the announcement of the station’s new name, significant progress has been made with construction. This new infrastructure will help improve accessibility, reconnect communities, and support the substantial growth planned for the area in the years ahead.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England, said:
“It’s great to see the new accessible footbridge in place. When it opens, the new station will be a real boost for how people travel between the new Brabazon neighbourhood and Bristol, giving residents and visitors a rail link into the city and onwards across the region.
“With thousands of new homes and a growing population in this area, it’s vital we make it easier to choose public transport from the outset. This station will support more sustainable journeys, help ease pressure on the road network, and provide a convenient way for people to get to major events at the Aviva Arena when it opens.”
Colin Skellett, Chief Executive of YTL UK Group, said:
“The installation of the new footbridge at Bristol Brabazon station marks another significant step in the transformation of the former Filton Airfield into Brabazon, a thriving new town.
“High quality transport infrastructure and strong connectivity are fundamental to creating sustainable, well-connected communities, and this station will play a vital role in linking Brabazon to the wider region. With planning permission for 6,500 new homes, schools, office space, and a community centre, as well as work on the new 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena underway, momentum continues to build. This progress demonstrates our commitment to delivering a place where people can live, work and connect, supported by the modern transport links essential for long-term growth and success.”
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of GWR, said:
“I’m delighted to see significant progress being made on Bristol Brabazon station, which once open will help to expand the services that we provide in this new community and across the region as a whole.
“This is in addition to the construction of new stations at Charfield, Henbury, Pill and Portishead, all of which will open up access to rail services across even more communities.”
A Growing Regional Rail Programme
More than £400 million is currently being invested in rail infrastructure across the West of England. Two new stations—Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down—have already opened.
They will be followed by:
- Bristol Brabazon – autumn 2026
- Charfield – spring 2027
- Henbury – 2028
- Pill and Portishead – winter 2028/29
Image credits: Network Rail
