Transport Secretary Mark Harper officially opened the brand-new railway station at Marsh Barton in Exeter today (Monday 3 July).
The ceremony at Marsh Barton was carried out ahead of the station opening to passengers tomorrow (4 July) when the first service will be calling at 0538.
The Transport Secretary was also in the county to mark the completion of the sea wall at Dawlish and both projects are seen as a vital boost to local and regional rail connections.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I am delighted to see the completion of two major projects today, delivering a government commitment to improve a vital rail route for passengers in the South West. These projects demonstrate a government that is delivering our promises, investing in vital infrastructure and improving transport connections to help grow the economy.”
The station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with half-hourly services at peak times.
The two platforms are linked by the pedestrian overbridge which has ramps to facilitate cyclists and provide disabled access to the whole station.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“It is extremely satisfying to see Marsh Barton railway station become a reality. Despite a number of setbacks and challenges over the years we have persevered and remained committed to this project to ensure more people in Devon have access to sustainable transport links, helping to tackle congestion on our roads, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
“This is the third station we have helped to deliver in the county over the past eight years, following new stations at Newcourt and Cranbrook, as well as the opening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton. Marsh Barton Station is another major improvement to the rail network in Devon and we’re honoured that the Secretary of State can join us to mark this occasion. Thanks go to all of the partners involved for their efforts that have made this scheme possible and we’ve no doubt it will be very well used.
“It is also a great day to celebrate the years of effort from the Peninsula transport authorities and partners who made the case to Government for investment in the seawall at Dawlish. Having a more resilient, reliable railway means our communities in Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall remain connected to the rest of the country and visitors coming into the region can continue to make the journey by rail, supporting the local economy and reducing their carbon emissions.”
Great Western Railway Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area. Marsh Barton is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Portway ‘Park and Ride’ in Bristol and Reading Green Park, and we are excited for the benefits these stations will bring to the local economy, to residents, businesses and leisure travellers in the areas they serve.”
Delivered and funded by Devon County Council, with contributions from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Councils and over £3 million from the Department for Transport, the new station will better connect the community and offer greater access to employment, business and education opportunities. Crucially, it will also provide a quick, alternative link to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, allowing residents to access essential medical services more easily.
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It is fantastic to see that the new station at Marsh Barton, Exeter is now open, improving connectivity for our local communities and supporting growth especially around the west and south of Exeter area, as well as the wider region. We are proud to have supported the project with £4.4m of our Growth Deal fund, as part of our ambition to drive clean and inclusive growth.”
Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “This new station is great news for Exeter. It makes it easier for residents, workers and visitors to access this busy area using public transport. Thousands of people work at Marsh Barton, and the station provides a new way to access the industrial estate. It will also attract people for leisure purposes due to its location near the beautiful Riverside Valley Park.”
Teignbridge Executive Member for Planning, Councillor Gary Taylor, said: “I am sure that the many people who travel into south west Exeter will join me in welcoming the opening of this new station. It is really good news that there is now a more sustainable, environmentally friendly travel option for Teignbridge residents commuting into Exeter…The accessible design of the new station will be a boon for cyclists and pedestrians and will boost active travel via the nearby Riverside Valley Park and Exe Estuary Trail.”
Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said:
“With services now stopping at the new Marsh Barton station, it makes travel to and from Alphington, businesses at Marsh Barton and the Valley Park accessible by train to London and Penzance. As Councillor to Alphington I am so pleased to have such a beautiful 21st Century designed station located in this stunning setting.”
The new, rebuilt sea wall in Dawlish will protect the safety of local passengers from extreme weather conditions along the coast. It has been completed in two phases, with the latter stage protecting the grade 2 listed Dawlish train station.
The work in Dawlish forms part of the £165 million South West Resilience Programme and delivers on a government pledge to create a more resilient railway following devastating storms in 2014, which damaged the tracks beyond use for eight weeks and disconnected passengers from the network.
The completion of the works marks a major milestone for the programme and will offer a promenade and new public areas for the local community. Ongoing work by Network Rail also continues to develop a new, accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish Station.
Further cliff protection work, to deliver two additional phases of the programme, continues at pace including a rockfall shelter at Holcombe, along the coast from Dawlish.
Michelle Handforth, Regional Managing Director of Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, said: “I’m delighted that we could be joined by the Secretary of State for Transport to mark the official opening of the sea wall in Dawlish. Working with world-leading engineers and with funding from the government, we’ve been able to protect the railway line and town of Dawlish for generations to come. I’d particularly like to thank the Dawlish community for their patience and support while the construction took place close to their homes and businesses over two-and-half years.”