As work to reopen the Dartmoor Line between Okehampton and Exeter continues, over the coming weeks, a programme of events and exhibitions will celebrate 150 years since the railway first arrived in Okehampton. They will include an exhibition of historical photos in the town’s Charter Hall, displays in Okehampton shop windows and street banners, flags and bunting leading up to the anniversary weekend itself, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October. More ➔ “All aboard for 1871 – celebrating 150 years of Okehampton’s railway”
As part of readiness to enable regular passenger services to run by the end of the year, five railway communication masts – also known as GSM-R masts – are being installed along the route. These masts (which are part of a nationwide railway safety system) enable direct and continuous communication between train driver and signaller which considerably improves punctuality, reliability and safety for all passengers. More ➔ “Communication masts”
Work has recently begun to upgrade Okehampton station ahead of services resuming later this year. The most visible work is taking place on the platform where the edging stones are being adjusted. This will ensure the gap between the train and the platform is as small as possible and make it easier for passengers to access the train. More ➔ “Okehampton station upgrades underway”
When the train service reopens by the end of 2021, a key part of making it a success will be encouraging visitors to use the line to visit Okehampton, Dartmoor and the Granite Way. To that end, the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership has been taking advantage of the summer weather to get a head start on preparing marketing materials for the line – in particular documenting some of the great day trips that will be possible right from Okehampton station. More ➔ “Lights, camera, action!”
If you’re heading to the Okehampton Show next month (Thursday 12th August), pop in and say hello at the GWR and Network Rail tents to find out more about the reopening of the Dartmoor Line. It’s a great chance to ask any questions you might have about the train service or the improvement work currently underway at Okehampton station. More ➔ “Dartmoor Line at the Okehampton Show”
Another ‘key’ milestone in reopening the Dartmoor Line has been reached with the completion of the purchase of the railway and Okehampton station. Network Rail’s acquisition of this ownership was formally marked yesterday (Thursday 1 July) with the symbolic handing over of keys to the station and the track. More ➔ “Network Rail commences ownership of Dartmoor Line and Okehampton station”
A second special moment yesterday saw Network Rail present Tom and Sue Baxter with a framed picture in recognition of their longstanding support of the reopening of the Dartmoor Line and ongoing volunteering efforts to maintain and refurbish parts of the station, as part of the Dartmoor Railway Association. More ➔ “Volunteers’ contribution recognised”