NETWORK Rail has issued an update on the new Okehampton Interchange station, which is set to open next year.

The station will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond.

Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station.

In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it.

New track and 20 concrete sleepers were installed in the new alignment and 1,000 tonnes of track stone laid and compacted. Drainage work also took place.

In May, 25 bored piles were driven into the ground to support the new platform, footbridge and lift.

The next major stage of work will see the footbridge and lift shaft installed in autumn. Work is ongoing to build a 200-space car park and station platform.

“Okehampton Interchange will be a new purpose-built station as an exciting next step for the Dartmoor Line,” a Network Rail spokesperson said.

“The new station will complement the existing Okehampton station, which will remain open.

“Just two minutes from the A30, the new station will serve the growing east side of Okehampton and help more people travel sustainably. It will reduce traffic through the town centre and on Station Road and relieve pressure on the existing station’s car park.

“The station will have cycle parking and electric car charging points. Walking and cycling routes will be enhanced and buses will call at the station.

“The project follows the successful reopening of Okehampton station in 2021.

“The work allowed passenger trains to run again between Okehampton and Exeter for the first time in over half a century and attracted over half a million passengers in the first two years.”