Marsh Barton station opening delayed

Trains won’t now stop at the forthcoming Marsh Barton station until the spring.

It had been hoped the ‘halt’, located alongside Exeter’s energy from waste plant, would open before the end of 2022, but Devon County Council says the project has faced “challenges” with building supplies and recent weather conditions.

While construction is now “substantially complete” on the £16 million scheme, it adds that standard ‘entry-to-service’ procedures will need to be completed before it can open to passengers. These will begin soon.

A core element of the Devon Metro rail strategy for Exeter, Marsh Barton will also serve communities living near the rail line in Teignbridge, Torbay and East Devon. It is seen as central to supporting economic growth to the south west of Exeter and to the industrial estate’s employment area itself.

The project also features a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, which will improve walking and cycling choices for work, education and leisure trips between Alphington, Marsh Barton and along the Exe Estuary trails.

Once complete, Marsh Barton station is due to be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with additional trains at peak times.

In an update, a county council spokesperson said: “Construction work is substantially complete and standard ‘entry-to-service’ procedures are due to commence shortly, ahead of opening this spring. That’s despite challenges faced with building material supplies and sub-zero temperatures in December.

“Over the coming weeks we will be taking the opportunity to commence works to carry out additional improvements at Salmonpool bridge, resurfacing on Clapperbrook Lane, as well as the introduction of new bus stops on Grace Road.”

Devon’s cabinet member for transport, Councillor Andrea Davis (Conservative, Combe Martin Rural), previously 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.”

The station should have originally been up and running in December 2016, but delays, spiralling costs and protracted discussions with the rail industry led to considerable delays.

It’s 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.

By Ollie Heptinstall, local democracy reporter.