New station finally opens for passengers after years of delays
A new railway station is to open in Devon seven years after it was originally planned.
The £16m station should have been opened December 2016 but has faced a number of delays.
The new Marsh Barton station will open to the public early next month.
The project has been delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) and built by construction and civil engineering specialist firm GRAHAM.
The scheme has also involved the development of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, which opened in April, improving active travel links between Alphington, Marsh Barton, and the Riverside Valley Park.
Construction of the station itself was completed several weeks ago but as with all new stations, it has had to undergo independent assessments, standard checks and safety audits before the station can open.
Andrea Davis, cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “It’s excellent news that the station has passed all of the necessary checks and that it can now open to passengers on Tuesday 4 July. The station will be a huge asset to this part of Exeter, providing convenient access to Marsh Barton trading estate as well as connecting with active links to access other areas of the city.”
The station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with half-hourly services at peak times.
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.
