Partners involved in the development of the new station at Marsh Barton were recently invited to visit the site to see how work is progressing.
Since the new pedestrian and cycle overbridge at the site was lifted into place in February, two approach ramps have been installed to either side, with the final sections shortly to be added. The bridge, which will provide a traffic free route for pedestrians and cyclists alongside Clapperbrook Lane, is due to open in the autumn.
The station will be equipped with two platforms and progress has been made on fitting them out with edging slabs, lighting columns, and fencing, as well as emergency access ramps on each side.
Local leaders have welcomed the benefit that it would bring to the wider area as well as Exeter’s largest trading estate.
Councillor Andrea Davis, County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “The development of the railway station at Marsh Barton is a hugely important piece of infrastructure that supports our Devon Metro ambitions. This investment in our rail network will help with the recovery of Devon’s economy and future growth, while also supporting our carbon reduction targets. It’s great to see such excellent progress on the platforms and the project remains on track to open this coming winter.”
Once complete, Marsh Barton station is due to be served by hourly Great Western Railway (GWR) services between Paignton and Exmouth, with additional services at peak times. The new station will open up the south end of Exeter to business and leisure users alike.
Kevin Miller, Network Rail Senior Sponsor, said: “Network Rail is delighted to be supporting Devon County Council and GRAHAM in the delivery of Marsh Barton station – being a great example of how all the partners, including Devon County Council, GRAHAM and Great Western Railway can work together to deliver improved rail journeys for passengers, with construction undertaken by parties other than Network Rail. Once the station at Marsh Barton is constructed, Network Rail will support Entry into Service and take over ongoing ownership and maintenance.”
Matt Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said: “We are delighted to see Marsh Barton station taking shape. Travel to Exeter remained busy throughout the pandemic and has continued to grow. Customers numbers are also over forecast on the Dartmoor Line to Okehampton since it reopened to passengers.
“There is real demand for sustainable, reliable rail travel in Devon, and it is exciting to be able to deliver more improvements. We could not do this without working together with our local authority, industry and business partners and Devon really leads the way for collaborative working. Marsh Barton is a very important next step for the Devon Metro. It will support business and leisure travel and take more cars off Devon’s roads.”
The scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, Devon County Council, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, Network Rail and GWR.
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