The new Okehampton Interchange station is a big step closer to welcoming passengers after a major stage of construction was completed.
The lift shaft, footbridge span and staircase have all been lifted into place, with the Devon station now beginning to take shape.
Okehampton Interchange is a £15 million project, made possible thanks to Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council successfully bidding for Government funding, together with contributions from both authorities.
The new fully accessible station, being built by Network Rail and its’ contractor Octavius, is set to open in summer 2026. It will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, complementing the existing Okehampton station, and provide an hourly train to connect West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond.
Over three midweek nights, a 350-tonne crane was used to move the steel structures from what will become the station car park, over the railway and into position for the new station. The lift shaft, four columns to support the staircase, and three sections of the staircase itself were successfully installed.
The 25-metre-long footbridge was then lifted into place six metres above the railway in two sections. The bridge will allow access from the 200-space car park to the station’s single platform. The 100-metre platform will be supported by 107 coping stones that have been laid. Work now continues to complete construction in spring next year.
Network Rail industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said: “Our plans are now coming to life and the footbridge platform structure is now in place, marking a major milestone in the project’s progress.
“Everyone can now see it really coming together and our work continues to get passengers onto the platform as soon as possible.”
Image credit: Network Rail
