UK: Work Begins on New Railway Station in Okehampton

Posted by author March 5, 2025 Infra

Initial work has begun to build a new railway station in Okehampton, Devon.

The new 15 million GBP station, named Okehampton Interchange, will connect West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter, extending the Dartmoor Line.

Work has already begun on the new station, which is situated at Okehampton Business Park

Upon completion, Okehampton Interchange will serve as the town’s second railway station following the re-opening of Okehampton station in 2021, which saw over 250,000 passengers travel on the Dartmoor Line within 12 months of restoration.

The station is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), with additional contributions being provided by Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council.

Situated at the Okehampton Business Park; Okehampton Interchange will feature a single platform with step free-access, a lift and ramps, as well as a car park with 200 spaces, EV charging points and disabled bays.

The new station is also set to include improved walking and cycling links, sheltered cycle parking and bus stops, with local service integration planned to connect Okehampton, Bude, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Exeter.

Devon County Council Chairman John Hart, said:

It’s excellent news that work is starting on this new station. We’ve already seen the positive benefits the Dartmoor Line has had for this part of the county, and Okehampton Interchange will make it convenient for even more passengers across West Devon, North Devon and North Cornwall to enjoy rail travel to other parts of the county and further afield.

Once operational, Okehampton Interchange will provide hourly services towards Crediton, Exeter and Okehampton station.

To mark the occasion, members of the Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, GWR and Network Rail gathered on site for a turf cutting ceremony.

Councillor Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said:

This new interchange will be a hub for all kinds of transport whether coming or going by car, cycle, bus or train, this is the place you can travel from. Our turf cutting event today with our partners is a first step to seeing a wealth of opportunities for the east of Okehampton. Greater access to jobs, education and economic growth through speedier and easier links to other areas across Devon.

In order to facilitate essential track work, buses will replace trains between Exeter and Okehampton from Saturday 8 to Friday 14 March.