Marsh Barton station months away from opening

Work continuing 'at pace'

Devon’s newest railway station at Marsh Barton Exeter, is taking shape as work continues 'at pace' - to use the fashionable phrase.

Located near the energy-from-waste plant, it is due to open this winter.

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 two platforms have been fitting 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.”

Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s lead councillor for climate change, said: “The new station and its improved transport links will make Marsh Barton and the west of the Exe so much more accessible to those travelling by train, bicycle and on foot. With the added benefit of a new cycle and footbridge, commuters, visitors and shoppers will be able to make the short journey without having to rely on the car and that has to be good for everyone - cutting congestion, reducing our carbon emissions and improving people’s health and wellbeing.”

Once complete, Marsh Barton station is due to be served by hourly Great Western Railway 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.

Matt Barnes, GWR's 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.

The progress at Marsh Barton is a bit of bright news in an otherwise gloomy summer on the railways, which are being hit by strikes.