A new rail station for Exeter's largest industrial estate in Marsh Barton is on track to open this winter.
The station, located on the eastern edge of the estate, near the Energy from Waste plant, is being developed by GRAHAM on behalf of Devon County Council.
Partners involved in the development of the new station at Marsh Barton have visited the site to see how work is progressing.
Since the new pedestrian and cycle overbridge at the site was lifted into place in February, two approach ramps have been installed to either side, with the final sections shortly to be added.
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The bridge, which will provide a traffic free route for pedestrians and cyclists alongside Clapperbrook Lane, is due to open in the autumn.
The station's two platforms are being fitted out with edging slabs, lighting columns and fencing as well as emergency access ramps on each side.
Once complete, Marsh Barton station is due to be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with additional services at peak times. The new station will open up the south end of Exeter to business and leisure users.
Karl Tucker, Chairman of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It is great that residents and workers will soon be able to get to and from Marsh Barton and South West Exeter by train, supporting our clean growth ambitions, and the station will unlock development of the wider area.”
Marsh Barton is Exeter’s largest trading estate, and one of the largest employment sites in the region, with employment planned to increase to 8,000 jobs. The trading estate covers over 1.2 square miles (3.1 sq km) supporting over 500 businesses, including one of Europe’s largest motoring centres, showrooms, builders’ merchants, tool and plant hire.
it is a core element of the Devon Metro rail strategy for Exeter and is central to the growth plans not only for the Marsh Barton employment area, but also for the South West Exeter urban extension, as well as Dawlish and Newton Abbot.
Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate Change, said: “The new station and its improved transport links will make Marsh Barton and the west of the Exe so much more accessible to those travelling by train, bicycle and on foot. With the added benefit of a new cycle and footbridge, commuters, visitors and shoppers will be able to make the short journey without having to rely on the car and that has to be good for everyone - cutting congestion, reducing our carbon emissions and improving people’s health and wellbeing.”
The scheme is 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.
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