First services call at new Marsh Barton station

The first train service to call at the new £16 million Marsh Baton station between Paignton and Exmouth was the 05:38 on 4 July 2023.

Built by Graham for Devon County Council, the project, which was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and train operating company Great Western Railway (GWR), delivered a new two-platform station which will provide services for more than 7,000 people employed at Marsh Barton, while also supporting development plans for around 2,500 new homes across the estate.

The two platforms are linked by the pedestrian overbridge which has ramps to facilitate cyclists and provide disabled access to the whole station, improving active travel links between Alphington, Marsh Barton, and the Riverside Valley Park.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper officially opened the brand-new railway station at Marsh Barton in Exeter on Monday 3 July.

The station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with half-hourly services at peak times.

Andrew Henry, Graham’s contracts director Andrew Henry said: “The new Marsh Barton station will reduce road congestion and offer more sustainable travel choices for passengers in the region. With thousands of people using the route for both work and leisure travel, the station will provide a boost to the local economy and reduce the region’s carbon emissions, providing lasting impact to the communities it serves.

“This project presented several logistical challenges, but our innovative approach and strong working relationships enabled us to overcome them successfully. We are grateful to our project team and supply chain for their hard work and dedication to delivering this important new station and footbridge.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “It is extremely satisfying to see Marsh Barton railway station become a reality. Despite a number of setbacks and challenges over the years we have persevered and remained committed to this project to ensure more people in Devon have access to sustainable transport links, helping to tackle congestion on our roads, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“This is the third station we have helped to deliver in the county over the past eight years, following new stations at Newcourt and Cranbrook, as well as the opening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton. Marsh Barton Station is another major improvement to the rail network in Devon and we’re honoured that the Secretary of State can join us to mark this occasion. Thanks go to all of the partners involved for their efforts that have made this scheme possible and we’ve no doubt it will be very well used.”