Okehampton Interchange Joins Devon Torridge And North Cornwall For A Transformative Rail Revolution Set To Transform Travel In The Future: Here’s What You Should Know Now

Published on July 23, 2025

The Okehampton Interchange Station is a part of the overall region-wide transport vision and strategy to improve connections to rail and also reduce dependence on the road network. If connections from rural areas to Exeter are made more efficient, a station will offer not only a reliable alternative to the car but will significantly reduce the pressure on rural and A30 corridor roads. Delivering this scheme is a top priority for West Devon and is a major part of our commitment to supporting sustainable transport and deliver lasting benefits for the local economy.

The station is being built by a partnership involving the Department for Transport, West Devon Borough Council, Network Rail and other local partners, near the existing Dartmoor Line. It is likely to serve as a focal point for local people and visitors, providing easy access between Devon and Cornwall’s rural and urban areas.

Progress of Construction – Important Landmarks and Accomplishments

Okehampton Interchange Station is already well underway too, and the project continues to make good progress. One of the most significant tasks to have been done is the repositioning of the railway line and foundation work for the new station platform.

Track Realignment and Groundworks: As part of the preliminary works, a 300m length of single line track was moved 900mm to the north to create space a new platform. This was an important step towards a platform design that is compliant with current safety and accessibility standards. Brand new track and sleepers have also been laid, with drainage systems incorporated beneath the railway to manage water more effectively and to help reduce the risk of flooding or water damage.

Foundations and Structure: Much of the construction process centered around the driving of 25 piles to a depth of 12 meters. These piles will support the platform, footbridge, and lift of the new station. The piles are part of the stabilizing and support base for the completed structures, which will be a key to passenger safety and the longevity of the station infrastructure.

Work is set to take place forming the central core of the network, including the construction of the footbridge and the lift shaft. These additions will see the station providing in compliance with modern access standards, meaning step free access for all passengers. The 200-bay car park is also being created, and all of this will ensure the station continues to remain both convenient and accessible for both commuters and visitors alike.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Design

The Okehampton Interchange Station has been designed with sustainability at the forefront. The station is part of West Devon’s broader environmental objectives to reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation network. The station will feature electric vehicle (EV) charging points and bicycle parking facilities, encouraging the use of environmentally friendly travel options. The integration of walking and cycling routes will further promote active travel, helping to alleviate traffic congestion while supporting a healthier lifestyle for local residents.

In addition to its sustainable design, the station’s construction aims to use local materials and methods to minimize environmental impact. The station’s energy-efficient design, along with the use of green technologies, will make it an environmentally responsible transportation hub. The increased use of rail transport will help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, further contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the region.

Economic and Social Impact on the Region

The completion of the Okehampton Interchange Station is expected to deliver significant benefits to the local community and the wider region. With improved rail access to Exeter, the station will open up new opportunities for work, education, and leisure for residents of West Devon, Torridge, and North Cornwall. It will allow people to travel more easily to Exeter for jobs, universities, and hospitals, while also providing a reliable transport link for tourists visiting Dartmoor National Park.

The economic benefits of the station will be far-reaching. As a major infrastructure project, the station will generate employment opportunities both during its construction and once it is operational. The improved connectivity is also expected to stimulate local businesses, as better transport links will encourage both investment and tourism in the area.

Moreover, the station’s creation will likely spur future development projects in and around Okehampton. Local real estate values are expected to rise, and the town could see a growing population as people move to the area to take advantage of the enhanced transport links. With its focus on sustainability, the station will also align with the region’s long-term plans for growth and carbon neutrality.

Public and Official Reactions

The Okehampton Interchange project has garnered widespread support from local officials and residents, who see the station as a key step in driving the region’s development. West Devon Borough Council has been particularly vocal about the station’s potential to benefit the local economy and reduce traffic congestion.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, expressed excitement about the progress being made, highlighting how the station will help reduce the carbon footprint of travel in the region. The station will also be a significant addition to the ongoing success of the Dartmoor Line, which has brought increased rail traffic and tourism to the area.

Councillor Caroline Mott, Lead Member for Planning and Built Environment, also praised the project, noting that the station is a reflection of West Devon’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. She pointed out that the station would improve the quality of life for residents by providing more accessible transportation options.

What to Expect: Opening in 2026

Once opened, in 2026, the Okehampton Interchange Station will represent a significant contribution to regional rail connectivity in Devon and Cornwall beyond 2025. The station, when open, will become a vital landmark in the public transport offering, providing an impressive and efficient hub for commuters, businesses and visitors.

The station’s construction is part of a larger push to encourage more people to use rail in the region and depend less on driving cars, and to help the UK meet its overall climate goals. Aspirationally it is also anticipated that the Okehampton Interchange Station would be a focus of the region’s future, delivering real, sustainable benefits for residents, businesses and the environment.