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Friday 31 Jul 2026

Landmark day for West Devon as Okehampton Interchange station officially opens

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Great Western

• Okehampton Interchange station opens ahead of passenger services starting on Saturday 1 August
• New fully accessible station offers new rail, bus, cycling and park-and-ride connections for west Devon
• Improved connectivity expected to support economic growth across the region

A major milestone for West Devon was marked today with the official opening of Okehampton Interchange station, ahead of passenger services starting tomorrow (Saturday 1 August).

Senior representatives from Network Rail, Great Western Railway (GWR), Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council came together to mark the historic occasion, including Joanna Grew, Route Strategy Director for Network Rail and GWR, Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity for Devon County Council & Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council; and Cllr Mandy Ewings, leader of West Devon Borough Council.

Okehampton Interchange is the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, providing improved access to rail services connecting communities in West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and destinations across the wider rail network.

The station complements the existing Okehampton station and builds on strong community backing for the reopening of the Dartmoor Line, which saw the return of daily passenger services in 2021, more than 50 years after regular services were withdrawn. Passenger demand far exceeded projections, achieving over half a million journeys within the first two years of operation.

Designed to support integrated and sustainable journeys, the new station features a 200-space car park, sheltered cycle storage and a covered bus interchange, with electric vehicle charging points coming soon. Step-free access is provided throughout via ramps, lifts and a footbridge.

Okehampton Interchange is a £18 million investment made possible through £13.5m of UK Government funding following a successful bid by West Devon Borough Council with support from Devon County Council on the business case. Both authorities have provided match funding.

The project has brought together a number of partners, with Network Rail overseeing delivery of the station through their contractor Octavius. Devon County Council has led the delivery of walking, cycling and bus facilities on Hameldown Road, constructed by Kennford Tarmacadam, and the environmental work through its consultants WSP.

The station is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits. Research shows railway stations across the South West could support up to 238,000 jobs and contribute £14.25 billion to the economy by 2035. Okehampton Interchange and Marsh Barton station, which opened in 2023, are together projected to generate around 1,500 permanent jobs and contribute approximately £112 million annually to the local economy over the next decade.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

"The opening of Okehampton Interchange marks a major step forward for transport in the South West. Backed by £13.5 million of Government investment, this fully accessible new station will make it easier for people to get to work, education and leisure, while supporting jobs, homes and economic growth across west Devon.

"It's a great example of the joined-up, locally focused railway we want to see under Great British Railways, bringing together rail, bus, cycling and park-and-ride connections so passengers get better journeys and communities can thrive."

Joanna Grew, Route Strategy Director for Network Rail and GWR, said:

"It's fantastic to see Okehampton Interchange open and ready to welcome its first passengers. The Dartmoor Line has already made a real difference since services returned in 2021, and this new station is another important step in making rail travel easier and more accessible for all across the region."

"We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved through close partnership working and excited to see the difference this station will make for local people, businesses and visitors alike."

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity from Devon County Council said:

“The opening of Okehampton Interchange is a proud moment for everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this new station, and to do so so soon after the successful reopening of the Dartmoor Line. With convenient access from the A30 and strong bus connections, the station will make rail travel more accessible for communities across a wider catchment area, while helping to ease traffic pressures in Okehampton. Local residents will also benefit from attractive walking and cycling links, making it easier to choose sustainable ways to travel.”

Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said:

“This is a significant moment for Okehampton and West Devon. The new station is an investment in our future and the future of Cornwall, by creating better connections to jobs, education, healthcare, leisure and services, while supporting local businesses, tourism and greener travel. It shows what strong partnership working can achieve, and we are proud to have helped deliver this important project. More than a station launch, this is a statement of confidence in Okehampton, West Devon and the future of our rural communities.”

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, said:

“This is a hugely important day for Okehampton. This new station is yet another chapter in the revitalisation of our wonderful town.

“Enhanced rail links and the facilities at this interchange will improve connectivity for Okehampton and the surrounding area enormously. This moment has been many years in the making and a huge tribute to all who worked so hard to make it happen.”

ENDS