Train travel disruption ahead of new station build

Commuters have been urged to plan ahead

Rail passengers are being warned of disruption ahead of the construction of a major new station in Devon.

Network Rail said the new £15m Okehampton Interchange station was the newest addition to the Dartmoor line and would connect west Devon, Torridge and north Cornwall with Exeter and beyond.

Great Western Railway (GWR) warned services for Barnstaple and Okehampton would be disrupted between 8 and 14 March while the work was carried out.

It said rail replacement buses would serve commuters and it urged customers to plan ahead.

'Extra time'

The scheme was being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council, Network Rail added.

GWR spokesperson James Davis said the new station was a "pivotal way" of getting people out of their cars and on to trains.

"This is a really important piece of work in ensuring that we can have more sustainable transport alternatives," he said.

"But unfortunately, as part of that work, it does mean that the branch line between Exeter and Okehampton does need to close for a week while part of this work takes place.

"Plan your journey accordingly and just allow yourself a little bit of extra time."

'Feel the benefits'

GWR said part of the work would involve moving the track into a new position, adding Network Rail would also carry out repairs to bridges in the Crediton area.

Melanie Harvey, GWR's station manager for Mid Devon, said new stations were "vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably".

She added: "We're really pleased to be able to start work on this new station as well as support Network Rail as they continue their essential maintenance of the line."

Alex Phillips, Network Rail's lead portfolio manager, said the work would keep the railway running in Devon for "decades to come".

He said: "We're sorry for the disruption but passengers will feel the benefits long into the future."

Network Rail said it hoped to open the new station in summer 2026.