Work to build the first station in Ashley Down in 60 years has hit a "critical milestone", according to regional Mayor Dan Norris.

Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, ‘Ashley Down Station' is being built on the site of the previous Ashley Hill station which closed in 1964 due to the Beeching Cuts.

Mr Norris was track-side along with Cllr Don Alexander and other project partners to see for himself the brand-new footbridge installed over Christmas by Network Rail engineers.

It is scheduled to open later this year. Installation of the station footbridge completes the structural elements of the station.

Dan Norris, Metro Mayor, said:

"We are at a critical milestone in getting this brand-new station built and open to Ashley Down residents to use and enjoy.

"I know how hard the team worked over the festive period to get this footbridge installed. It really is brilliant to see Ashley Down Station beginning to take shape. Remember the last time there was a station here – 60 years ago this year – Top of the Pops first aired, and man hadn't yet stepped on the moon!

"I'm proud of my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's radical ‘reverse Beeching' programme to give residents the new stations and train services they need and deserve."

Councillor Don Alexander, Bristol City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

"I am delighted to see Ashley Down railway station taking shape, before it opens this year. Work is also underway on a fully accessible route to the station's entrance, which includes new surfacing, lighting and landscaping.

"It will be wonderful to see the new station open, offering local people another convenient transport option to make local connections and easily link up to regional and national travel via Temple Meads station, as we continue building towards the mass transit system that Bristolians need and deserve."

Network Rail Industry Programme Director, Daniel Round, said:

"It's incredible to see how far we have come in a year – from literally nothing to two platforms, lift shafts and the station footbridge fully in place.

"Ashley Down station is part of the wider investment programme for the West of England that we are working to roll out with our partners - the Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, Great Western Railway and others - to deliver a fundamental change to transport infrastructure on a regional level."

Rich Middleton, GWR's Growth Manager (Wales & West of England), said:

"As we continue to invest in the railway this new station, a key stage of the wider Metrowest improvements, will open up our train services to even more people.

"These hourly new station stops will deliver real sustainable travel opportunities in this part of Bristol, further supporting the communities that we serve."

The construction of the station was given a huge boost with an intensive period of 24-hour working over 16 days in June, when necessary track work was completed and both of the station's platforms were installed.

Ashley Down station is being delivered by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority - working with Bristol City Council, Network Rail and Great Western Railway.