Work begins on Okehampton Interchange station

Devon County Council has announced the start of construction on the new Okehampton Interchange station.

The £15 million project will deliver a brand-new station on the edge of Okehampton, adding to the Dartmoor Line and improving connections between West Devon, Torridge, North Cornwall, and Exeter. 

The scheme is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council.

Once completed, the new station will provide an hourly service to Crediton, Exeter, and the existing Okehampton station.

Project partners, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, GWR, and Network Rail, marked the occasion with a turf-cutting ceremony at Okehampton Business Park, where the station will be located.

Devon County Council believes the new station will significantly improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other opportunities, benefiting the local economy and reducing environmental impact.

Located just two minutes from the A30, the station is expected to serve the growing east side of Okehampton, easing congestion in the town centre and cutting carbon emissions. The council says the interchange will also support sustainable travel, integrating walking and cycling routes alongside local bus services.

The station, delivered by Network Rail and its contractor Octavius, will feature a single platform with step-free access via a footbridge, lift, and ramps. 

A 200-space car park will include EV charging points and disabled bays.

Devon County Council highlights that the station builds on the success of the Dartmoor Line, which exceeded expectations after reopening in 2021, with over 250,000 passengers using the service in its first year.

Devon County Council Chairman John Hart said: “It’s excellent news that work is starting on this new station.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “The Okehampton Interchange is an important progression for the Dartmoor Line.”

Councillor Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: “This new interchange will be a hub for all kinds of transport.”

Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail industry programme director, said: “Okehampton Interchange will get more people travelling by rail and improve the local environment.”

Tom Pierpoint, GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people.”

Councillor Lois Samuel, County Councillor for Okehampton Rural, said: “I was delighted to be at this event today.”

To support the construction, essential track work will take place from Saturday 8 March to Friday 14 March. 

During this period, buses will replace trains between Exeter and Okehampton.