Bristol Temple Meads - finally emerging from its wrapper.

[The exile]

Henbury - could use the new platforms, but highly likely either it of the existing Filton train would work through to Portishead.

No “or” here, surely - it’s the same service, just extended.

 

[zwk500]

No “or” here, surely - it’s the same service, just extended.

The Henbury service is an additional tph on top of the Filton service, to provide 2tph from Bristol TM to Filton Abbey Wood. I don't know if the existing Filton service will be extended at first, as there is a capacity constraint on terminating trains because for the short term trains terminating at Henbury will be shunting via Hallen Marsh Jn (AIUI).

Exactly how people consider the services to be additional vs extended is mainly a matter of semantics. The key point is that there will be 2tph from Filton Abbey Wood to Bristol Temple meads, and it is quite likely that at least 1 of those will work through to Portishead at some point (may not be immediately on introduction of Portishead, to allow the services to bed in). All of which translates to less trains able to make use of potential platforms in the old shed.

 

[dutchbedford]

Waa there yesterday, just a few small areas of scaffolding on platform behind hoardings now, which aren't holding up anything

As other posts state - holding signalling equipment. S&T booked for February, those final platform hoardings should then come down…

It’s almost as if my Summer 2026 prediction was right…

 

[tumbles]

Bristol and the wider area is having a good bit of rail growth (and indeed the economy and station precinct is doing well there) -

in the future there could be an additional:
1tph Oxford - all week
1tph Henbury (could see this going to 2tph and/or looping via Avonmouth in time)
1tph Portishead (this might also grow to 2tph)
1tph additional Cardiff service slated
1tph Birmingham Moor St (part of earlier Midland Connect scheme)
1tph XC extended to Exeter (long discussed) - or something else in that direction, esp when Wellington/Cullumpton open

if all of this happened, plus anything else - those platforms might be very useful.

The ideal spot for Portishead would be Platform 2 which hasn't been used since Motorail was killed off. Maybe when they redo Bristol West Junction - assuming they do as I think they said they'd do it 3-4 years after completing the east works - they could factor it in

 

[The exile]

The ideal spot for Portishead would be Platform 2 which hasn't been used since Motorail was killed off. Maybe when they redo Bristol West Junction - assuming they do as I think they said they'd do it 3-4 years after completing the east works - they could factor it in

Though Portishead should really go on to the north side somewhere - which should also help boost usage of Bedminster & Parson St.

 

[zwk500]

The ideal spot for Portishead would be Platform 2 which hasn't been used since Motorail was killed off. Maybe when they redo Bristol West Junction - assuming they do as I think they said they'd do it 3-4 years after completing the east works - they could factor it in

Can't do that until a new crossover is put in and...

Though Portishead should really go on to the north side somewhere - which should also help boost usage of Bedminster & Parson St.

Yes, cross-bristol connections are useful, if still quite minor compared to the access to Temple Meads. Clifton Down and Filton Abbey Wood are the big prizes in North Bristol.

 

[tumbles]

Can't do that until a new crossover is put in and...

Yep hence I guess only opportunity realistically would be when they redo the West Junction stuff but I think that's cited as 28/29 if at all. Do get the point about other side for cross connections but just seemed like nice point to have it like how SB line has its own terminus platform.

 

[zwk500]

Yep hence I guess only opportunity realistically would be when they redo the West Junction stuff but I think that's cited as 28/29 if at all.

It may come a bit earlier if the point can be fitted in without a major overhaul as it would be a relatively small change for signalling

Do get the point about other side for cross connections but just seemed like nice point to have it like how SB line has its own terminus platform.

Although it's not quite that neat, as it's an interworked diagram that leaves an unbalanced service. Westbound you have Avonmouth to Weston SM but eastbound you have Weston SM to Severn Beach.

 

[cle]

I think the XC extension to Exeter would if anything ease platform capacity, as services would no longer turn around at Bristol. And the Birmingham Moor St is IMO very speculative at this stage.

I believe phase 1 is approved, and the main works for it (Moor St platforms) are happening?

I did try to not be speculative in my list, most of the examples are firmed up and certainly not crayon-ed, but official schemes. It was more to paint a picture of "the next few years could see a lot of new service at Bristol TM" - vs the specifics of each.

What isn't quantifiable yet, is how there might be something of a 'big bang' culturally in the Bristol TTW area around all of these new services, which see increases following fairly shortly after. Many reopenings see this.

They're a bright idea, but sadly unless people are willing to break cross-Bristol TM connectivity in the local services (or provide more capacity for 'right handed' moves to/from the Filton Mains) then they'd be a beige elephant.

Curious how important this is. You mention Filton, do many commute there direct from other stations? Is Bath also a destination from non-Temple Meads stations?

But going through the list, it does seem like a few could use the old shed, although of course the London via Parkway flagship is no-longer.

 

[The exile]

Curious how important this is. You mention Filton, do many commute there direct from other stations?

Indeed they do. There’s even a direct service from Bath avoiding TM entirely (although a “parliamentary” train, it does get a reasonable loading).

 

[Severnia333]

Indeed they do. There’s even a direct service from Bath avoiding TM entirely (although a “parliamentary” train, it does get a reasonable loading).

Lots from Gloucester direction and South Wales too

 

[The exile]

Curious how important this is. You mention Filton, do many commute there direct from other stations?

Not sure why the idea of cross-city services being important should be curious - especially in the city with Britain’s worst traffic congestion (I believe). Although the Temple Quarter has now become an area of employment growth it is by no means the sole “destination” area in the Bristol conurbation.

 

[Snow1964]

Curious how important this is. You mention Filton, do many commute there direct from other stations?

The latest station origin destination has following for Filton Abbey Wood:
Bristol Temple Meads 80,489
Cardiff Central 31,840
Bath Spa 29,463
Yate 19,867
Newport (Wales) 17,655
Gloucester 9568
Weston super Mare 8639
Oldfield Park 8509
Lawrence Hill 7647
Severn Tunnel Junction 6867
London Paddington 6369
Cam and Dursley 5414
Trowbridge 5278
Stapleton Road 5015
Chippenham 4495
Parson Street 3854
Worle 3818
Bristol Parkway 3738
Salisbury 3634
Taunton 3561
Cheltenham Spa 3466
Nailsea and Backwell 3293
Keynsham 3040
Southampton Central 2995
Yatton 2937
Bradford on Avon 2894

Seems fairly conclusive that cross Bristol journeys happen, and some like Chippenham can only be done by changing trains

Is Bath also a destination from non-Temple Meads stations?

Selected examples crossing Bristol to/from Bath Spa using origin destination matrix
Cardiff Central 70,393
Weston super Mare 30,920
Clifton Down 29,893
Nailsea and Backwell 24,753
Newport (Wales) 24,369
Taunton 21,768
Yate 16,584
Yatton 16,533
Redland 14,440
Montpelier 14,433
Worle 13,884
Gloucester 13,681
Stapleton Road 12,532
Lawrence Hill 10,254

Again can be clearly seen that there are many journeys passing through Temple Meads, including ones that require change of train. And often between platforms that are long walk at Temple Meads.

But going through the list, it does seem like a few could use the old shed,

Yes, would help with capacity, but not ideal for those having to change trains, as again will be long walk, especially as trains often nearer the ends of the platforms rather than alongside the subway stairs

although of course the London via Parkway flagship is no-longer.

The London Paddington service is a relatively small flow, in percentage terms of journeys to/from Temple Meads.

List shows it is quite complicated as to where people go, south Bristol / North Somerset suburban stations to/from Bath, and even Severn Beach line to Bath are reasonable flows, not that it is currently reflected in direct services. (I know there is 17:01 Severn Beach-Salisbury, but it is an exception, and more a one off link up of 2 trains)

Cross Bristol services are generally historically determined, and not always reflective and optimised for current journeys volumes. (and having checked some other Bristol suburban stations surprised how out of kilter it is). It will change even more as Henbury line and Portishead lines come on stream. But does appear some of the services north and south of Bristol TM are paired with wrong services (from a passenger volume point of view), even if it is for operational reasons (and a big reason seems to be just continuing what was chosen decades ago). It must be years (maybe decades) since Bristol area had a full timetable rewrite.

https://www.railwaydata.co.uk/odm/gbr/?dest=all&string_out=Bath+Spa+%5B3271%5D

 

[wiltshirebloke]

Although nearing 30 years of it's opening, before the MOD opened at Abbey Wood, most of the previous offices for the MOD that moved were based in various offices around Bath, so that may explain some of the journeys.

 

[WelshBluebird]

Again can be clearly seen that there are many journeys passing through Temple Meads, including ones that require change of train. And often between platforms that are long walk at Temple Meads.

My commute is from either Ashley Down or Montpelier to Keynsham and the change is pretty frustrating. There was a week before Christmas sometime where the normal Ashley Down shuttle wasn't running so they stopped some of the cardiff - portsmouth trains instead and it was so much better!

And I remember the original metrowest stuff had plans for the Severn beach services to continue towards bath, though recent timetable changes have swapped that for an hourly service down to Weston, so there is at least that in terms of cross city links.

I guess the alternative is high frequency services which means changing is less of a pain but stations like Ashley Down and Bedminster only have hourly services!

 

[Annetts key]

The latest station origin destination has following for Filton Abbey Wood:
Bristol Temple Meads 80,489
Cardiff Central 31,840
Bath Spa 29,463
Yate 19,867
Newport (Wales) 17,655
Gloucester 9568
Weston super Mare 8639
Oldfield Park 8509
Lawrence Hill 7647
Severn Tunnel Junction 6867
London Paddington 6369
Cam and Dursley 5414
Trowbridge 5278
Stapleton Road 5015
Chippenham 4495
Parson Street 3854
Worle 3818
Bristol Parkway 3738
Salisbury 3634
Taunton 3561
Cheltenham Spa 3466
Nailsea and Blackwell 3293
Keynsham 3040
Southampton Central 2995
Yatton 2937
Bradford on Avon 2894

Seems fairly conclusive that cross Bristol journeys happen, and some like Chippenham can only be done by changing trains


Selected examples crossing Bristol from origin destination matrix
Cardiff Central 70,393
Weston super Mare 30,920
Clifton Down 29,893
Nailsea and Blackwell 24,753
Newport (Wales) 24,369
Taunton 21,768
Yate 16,584
Yatton 16,533
Redland 14,440
Montpelier 14,433
Worle 13,884
Gloucester 13,681

Again can be clearly seen that there are many journeys passing through Temple Meads, including ones that require change of train. And often between platforms that are long walk at Temple Meads.


Yes, but list shows it is quite complicated as to where people go, south Bristol / North Somerset suburban stations to/from Bath, and even Severn Beach line to Bath are reasonable flows, not that it is currently reflected in direct services. (I know there is 17:01 Severn Beach-Salisbury, but it is an exception, and more a one off link up of 2 trains)

Cross Bristol services are generally historically determined, and not always reflective and optimised for current journeys volumes. (and having checked some other Bristol suburban stations surprised how out of kilter it is). It will change even more as Henbury line and Portishead lines come on stream. But does appear some of the services north and south of Bristol TM are paired with wrong services (from a passenger volume point of view), even if it is for operational reasons (and a big reason seems to be just continuing what was chosen decades ago). It must be years (maybe decades) since Bristol area had a full timetable rewrite.

https://www.railwaydata.co.uk/odm/gbr/?dest=all&string_out=Bath+Spa+%5B3271%5D

Note that it's Nailsea and Backwell not Nailsea and Blackwell.

 

[cle]

Not sure why the idea of cross-city services being important should be curious - especially in the city with Britain’s worst traffic congestion (I believe). Although the Temple Quarter has now become an area of employment growth it is by no means the sole “destination” area in the Bristol conurbation.

I meant that I was curious about those flows - not knowing the area as intimately. It does indicate that having 2-3 designated through lines at 2tph one day, a mini Bristol Crossrail if you will, might be worthwhile.

Thanks to you and Snow1964 for the discussion.

 

[The exile]

Although nearing 30 years of it's opening, before the MOD opened at Abbey Wood, most of the previous offices for the MOD that moved were based in various offices around Bath, so that may explain some of the journeys.

And is certainly one of the reasons for the service that avoids Temple Meads.

 

[Snow1964]

Although nearing 30 years of it's opening, before the MOD opened at Abbey Wood, most of the previous offices for the MOD that moved were based in various offices around Bath, so that may explain some of the journeys.

The MOD moved its 3 sites Foxhill, Ensleigh and Warminster Road in Bath that employed 1400 to Filton Abbey Wood between late 2012 and early 2013. (1200 others were already relocating when linked announcement was made). So although Abbey Wood initially opened nearly 30 years ago, was only 13-15 years ago that 2600 relocations from Bath happened.

Of course some people will have since moved home, and about third will have retired, so travel patterns will change over time.

MOD confirms the vacation of sites in Bath

The Ministry of Defence today confirmed the move of MOD staff from Bath to Abbey Wood, Bristol, by March 2013.

www.gov.uk

All those sites, and a few others nearby eg Copenacre, Corsham have all closed and been redeveloped for housing.

 

[contrex]

Over 4 years after the scaffolding started going up, the roof at Temple Meads is finally beginning to emerge (photo later). Unfortunately, the glazing is already filthy!

Not looking too bad yesterday Wed 28th.


For the technical: camera: Olympus Pen-F, 1/400 sec, f/8, ISO 200, lens: Olympus M.17mm F1.8

 

[zwk500]

Not looking too bad yesterday Wed 28th. yesterdasy

You picked a good moment given how much rain there was yesterday!

 

[contrex]

You picked a good moment given how much rain there was yesterday!

It was pretty nice and sunny between Stapleton Road and Bath Spa from 11 AM up to about 4.30 PM, then it started drizzling as we came home. The Avon at Bath was the highest I've ever seen, overflowing the edges in some places. Pulteney Weir looked nearly full.