EXTRA trains are now running through Yeoford and Crediton on the Okehampton line. It is not a quiet start to the new service between Okehampton and Exeter but test runs.  

Network Rail is asking people to avoid attempting to access the Dartmoor Line as the number of trains travelling along the railway increased from September 20.

Work to reopen the Dartmoor Line by the end of the year is continuing to progress well with this latest phase of work involving trains travelling the 14-mile stretch of railway to test out the newly laid track.

While the trains are running, the two pedestrian level crossings – which are in the process of being upgraded – will be temporarily closed for safety reasons. The other four user-worked level crossings will remain open and are only accessible by authorised farmers and their representatives.

Network Rail’s team of engineers are continuing with the remaining work on the Dartmoor Line including installing the new GSM-R masts (the railway’s mobile communications system), completing the necessary drainage work, installing fencing and repairing some of the bridges.

Following confirmation of Government funding for the work in March, 11 miles of new track were laid between Okehampton and Coleford with 24,000 sleepers and 29,000 tonnes of ballast.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s industry programme director, said: “This is an exciting period for us and we want to ensure the local community continues to stay safe as we continue to work hard to reopen the Dartmoor Line by the end of the year.”

For more information about the Dartmoor Line please visit: https://dartmoorline.com/ .