Ashley Down Station: 2026 Opening & Route Map

Project Profile: Ashley Down Railway Station

Ashley Down Railway Station is a critical infrastructure asset developed as part of the MetroWest Phase 2 programme, restoring a key rail link to a densely populated area of Bristol, UK. Operational since 2024, the station enhances regional connectivity on the Henbury and Yate & Gloucester lines, integrating modern accessibility and passenger systems to support significant local economic and residential growth.

Technical Specifications

The station’s design adheres to modern standards for capacity, accessibility, and operational efficiency. It comprises two 126-metre platforms, constructed to accommodate five-car train formations, which is crucial for meeting projected passenger demand. Full accessibility is achieved via a steel footbridge equipped with lifts, ensuring step-free access between platforms. Key passenger-facing systems include integrated Customer Information Systems (CIS) for real-time travel updates, CCTV for enhanced security, passenger help points, and electronic ticket vending machines. The station’s infrastructure also features modern LED lighting and clear wayfinding signage. Supporting infrastructure includes covered cycle storage facilities and dedicated disabled parking bays, promoting multi-modal transport integration. Minor track realignment was undertaken during construction to optimize train passage and ensure seamless integration with the existing signalling systems on the line.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Network Restoration: Re-establishes a rail connection lost during the Beeching cuts of 1964, providing a vital public transport link for approximately 80,000 residents and unlocking access to employment, education, and leisure across the region.
• Economic and Residential Catalyst: The station acts as a key enabler for urban development, projected to support the construction of over 8,500 new homes in the vicinity by improving transport accessibility and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• Sustainable Transport Commitment: As a core component of the MetroWest programme, the station contributes to regional decarbonisation goals. It is projected to generate over one million new rail journeys annually, directly contributing to a reduction of 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did Ashley Down station open?
Ashley Down railway station became operational and opened to the public in 2024, following a construction period that began in early 2023.

Who built the new Ashley Down station?
The construction of Ashley Down railway station was carried out by BAM Nuttall, a leading UK-based civil engineering and construction company, as part of the MetroWest Phase 2 project.