We’ll be bringing you regular behind-the-scenes updates as the West Devon Transport Hub project takes shape. Here’s the latest from Network Rail: In December, Network Rail entered into contract with Octavius to take the project forward. They will work with their designer Motts MacDonald.The More ➔ “Network Rail update on the new station”
Fresh from winning Small Station of the Year at the National Rail Awards in September, Okehampton station today won the Community category at the National Railway Heritage Awards.You can read about all the hard work that has gone into restoring the station in this news post from late last year on the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership website.It’s More ➔ “Okehampton station scoops another award”
We’re pleased to share the latest progress on the West Devon Transport Hub which will deliver a brand new, purpose-built station on the east side of Okehampton.Over the summer and autumn, Devon County Council commissioned WSP to carry out extensive environmental, ecological and topographical surveys. More ➔ “Autumn update – West Devon Transport Hub”
A special community celebration has taken place today to mark the second anniversary of the reopening of the Dartmoor Line.The previously mothballed rail line, which runs between Okehampton and Exeter, was restored in just nine months and delivered £10m under budget, opening two years ago to the day today. More ➔ “Celebrations in Okehampton as more than 550,000 journeys made in first two years of Dartmoor Line reopening”
Join award-winning poet and artist Sally Crabtree on the Dartmoor Line on Monday (22nd May) and while away your journey creating edible poetry, ‘parcel pets’ and more.Sally and her art trolley will be on the 11 27 departure from Okehampton to Exeter St Davids, and the 12 37 back to Okehampton.No More ➔ “Art on the train – Monday 22nd May”
Fantastic news – funding has been announced from the government’s Levelling Up Fund for a new station on the Dartmoor Line on the east edge of Okehampton, close to the A30 junction. As the funding announcement says in its list of successful bids: “In Devon, there will be £13.5 million for a new railway station on the eastern edge of Okehampton – the West Devon Transport Hub – complete with high quality cycle facilities and EV charging points on site to better connect communities and promote active travel.” More ➔ “Green light for new station”
Project partners, funders and former railway staff gathered at Okehampton station today to mark the completion of the station heritage restoration project, part of the overall Dartmoor Line reopening work.Former train driver and County Councillor Richard Westlake cut a ribbon to open the heritage display in the old booking office. More ➔ “Ribbon cutting to mark completion of Okehampton station heritage restoration project”
Just over a year after the Dartmoor Line reopened to regular passenger trains, journey numbers on the line have passed 250,000 this Monday morning, with the arrival of an extra special visitor, Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP, to officially open the renovated station building. More ➔ “Dartmoor Line passes 250,000 journeys on its first anniversary, as rail minister visits”
The Dartmoor Line celebrated a double success at the 2022 ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards. The £40.5m scheme to reconnect communities by restoring regular trains services took home the Showcase and Community Awards. Sally Walters, chair of judges, said the project is an example of what can be achieved when civil engineers work with communities. More ➔ “Dartmoor Line scoops two further awards”
Book now for a pair of events on Saturday 19th November as part of the Destination Dartmoor project:⚠️ UPDATE: Both events are now fully booked, but unfortunately due to illness the Star Train event has had to be postponed. Those with tickets will be contacted individually.Station More ➔ “Drawing & stargazing events on Sat 19 November”