Date set for re-opening of Dartmoor Line

Services will launch on Saturday 20 November, marking the first reopening under the government’s Restoring Your Railway programme.

“The project, funded by over £40m from the Department for Transport, is part of the wider campaign to reverse catastrophic cuts to the rail network primarily led by the Beeching axe,” said transport secretary Grant Shapps. “The work has been a successful collaboration between the DfT, Network Rail, GWR, Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, and local campaigners and MPs.”

According to Network Rail, the route will connect Exeter St Davids, Crediton and Okehampton. Around half of services, including those at peak times, will carry on to Exeter Central.

Dartmoor Line to reopen after half a century

In an effort that has taken nine months, Network Rail has delivered a programme of work that included laying 11 miles of new track and installing 24,000 concrete sleepers and 29,000 tonnes of ballast. Repairs have also been made to 21 structures along the route including four bridges. Work including vegetation clearance, earth and drainage works and fencing are ongoing in preparation for the return of regular services.