Great Western Coffee Shop

does anyone else think that this would be a good idea?

Pardon my ignorance but is this on the Waterloo line? If so then any the route is not really geared for and set up for local traffic. I would guess that any extra stops would have an impact on timings and passing points over the long single track sections. 

No, its between Exeter St Thomas and Starcross on the GW main line.About  3 miles west of St Davids.

however there is still the issue of slow stopping trains calling at an extra stop would mess up the timetables unless two extra tracks were put in place but the bill is going up and up

Running Barnstaple services through to a station at Sainsbury's on the old Marsh Barton siding, via Exeter St Thos, and running Exmouth services through to Okehampton could be a solution.

Yes, 'Plymothian' is quite right - there is a track - one might call it a long siding - stretching right through the Marsh Barton area almost to Sainsbury's. The track bed beyond the existing track to Sainsbury's (just a couple of hundred yards) is still unimpeded so in theory one could end the line there, hence having passengers shopping there on foot instead of by car (ha ha - will wonders never cease?) and perhaps more plausibly, deliveries by rail to Sainsbury's and other commercial customers. At least there would be no need to build a station on or even near the main line. 

I think this line was until recently for the MAF site which has now disappeared. Am I right?

...whilst simultaneously upsetting the 60% or so of passengers on the Barnstaple trains who want to go to or through Exeter Central.

im not sure how much capacity is left in the line to yeovil but maybee a service from say axminster or honiton threw to marshbarton?... then threw to okehampton, yes i know this would mean going threw st davids twice but this would not only benifit people going to marsh barton and okehampton but also central, st davids, crediton, pinhoe, east devon basicaly would have more services i think that the main issues would be rolling stock and the capacity of the honiton route lets face it all it needs apart from that is a bit more line at marshbarton and some signalling work and oh yeh a station broadclyst would also make an ideal park and ride station there is loads of room for a carpark and its crying out for a station!

maybee im in dream world again?

The county councils ambition is for a half hourly service between Axminster from Exeter (i.e Waterloo train on the hour, local stopper at half past)  There is a passing loop being installed at Axminster to facilitate the hourly Waterloo service from the Dec 2009.  However the half hourly service also depends on a Southern loop being built.  As the new development at Cranbrook is now on hold I think this is unlikely to happen for a long time.  I wouldn't think the turnround times would permit a trip to Marsh Barton and I don't think that it would attract many passengers anyway unless it was a massive park and ride but the buses have already got that side covered. 

Re-double the Exeter Salisbury - now there's a thought!

A station should be opened on the Waterloo line called 'Exeter Airport Parkway' - this could serve as access to Exeter Airport and also a P&R Railhead for shoppers and commuters.

I agree, but needs loads more parking to be a 'Parkway'

not sure why i said whimple?

Nun fetish?

allow the county councils aspirational half hourly service to Axminster.

Pinhoe don't have enough trains stopping at it now.

The report from July 2009 confirmed the go-ahead for Cranbrook from March 2010:

 http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/news/Business-leaders-welcome-12m-Cranbrook-boost/article-1196879-detail/article.html  (http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/news/Business-leaders-welcome-12m-Cranbrook-boost/article-1196879-detail/article.html)

The ^12 million investment includes ^3 million towards a ^10 million Clyst Honiton bypass, ^4 million for the main road serving the first phase of Cranbrook and linking to its new railway station, and ^5 million towards a new primary school serving Cranbrook.

Further track enhancements would be a good idea - you could then have an Axminster - St Davids stopping service and accelerate the Waterloo - Exeter services by removing all the stops west of Honiton.

Surely any extra stock magiced in* to run this new service would be put to better use running SWT to Plymouth and Paignton again?

*and the other issue, where from?

I'll pick:

EMU vice DMU on Lymington please! And I don't care if it is a Desiro vice slammer!

Higher utilisation of the 158 fleet.

What is the current state of play on this? - ie how many extra 158's could SWT put out if they really wanted to?

There is already rumour (and I stress the word RUMOUR) that FGW may possibly run services to Honiton or Axminster. There has been no confirmation of this though!

There is already rumour (and I stress the word RUMOUR) that FGW may possibly run services to Honiton or Axminster. There has been no confirmation of this though!

Why on earth would FGW want to waste stock running an extra service on a line that already has an hourly service when there is the Transwilts untapped! This BETTER be a false rumour...

Two possibilities:-

1. ORCATS revenue raid.
2. DCC sponsor the service and an additional unit, in the same way as the additional services on the Severn Beach line are sponsored.

Running Barnstaple to Axminster would be quite sensible, actually.

How far would the Cranbrook stop be from the airport?

Devon eco-town of Cranbrook given planning permission

A new eco-community is to be built in Devon after being given outline planning permission.

Legal documents have now been signed by developers, landowners and councils to pave the way for work to start on building the town of Cranbrook.

The site, east of Exeter, will see the construction of about 3,000 homes.

The scheme, to help address housing needs and tackle climate change, is one of a number of environmentally-friendly new settlements to be built in England.

Cranbrook will be home to schools, a community centre, energy plant and library.

It will also have strong transport links as planners are to give it a dedicated bus route to Exeter and build a railway station on the Exeter to Waterloo line.

Sara Randall Johnson, leader of East Devon District Council, said: "We have stuck to our guns in making provision for vital social and community facilities at Cranbrook. We want to encourage the new community to quickly develop its own sense of place and to become a splendid addition to the existing market towns of East Devon and a worthy neighbour to the nearby City of Exeter."

Work on the new houses, which will be built by developers including Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon, is expected to start early next year.

Hi

I can't find much information exeter  Intermodal Freight Facility ans cranbook station

Guy

Devon 'eco-town' Cranbrook gets access road permission

Planning permission has been granted for a road in east Devon to be built as the main access route to a new so-called eco-community.

The town of Cranbrook, east of Exeter, will have about 3,000 homes.

East Devon District Council said the road would be located on land east of Station Road in the village of Broadclyst, and north of the old A30.

Work on the first section of the route is planned to begin next spring, ahead of the main development.

The Cranbrook scheme, which supporters say will help address housing needs and tackle climate change, is one of a number of environmentally-friendly new settlements to be built in England.

It will include schools, a community centre, an energy plant and a library.

The town will also have strong transport links as planners are to give it a dedicated bus route to Exeter, as well as build a railway station on the Exeter to Waterloo line.

Developers including Persimmon, Redrow and Taylor Wimpey are involved in the project.

Work set to start on new town at Cranbrook in Devon

Work could start within weeks on the first phase of a new town in Devon.

As well as more than 3,000 new homes, Cranbrook will have schools, a community centre, an energy plant and a library.

The aim is to tackle housing need in east Devon and ensure strong transport links with a dedicated railway station and bus route.

East Devon District Council described Cranbrook as an "eco-trailblazer".

Outline planning permission for an initial 1,100 homes was granted last October.

I bet it won't have a library let alone a railway station.

It will if that's terms of their planning permission.

The advantage of using a spare unit here is that the homes are new so people are more likely to be enticed, like it has been mentioned Feniton and Whimple should get a more frequent service while SWT to London should be sped up (a train adds 3 minutes to the journey time for each station stop, so taking out Pinhoe, Fenition and Whimple and adding in Cranbrook would give them a saving of at least 6 mintes) and this would enhance the service to Honiton and Axminster, both substantial towns.

Am I right in thinking that each hour their are 2 cross country trains and 2 First Great Western HSTs each hour from Exeter to Plymouth? If so couldn't one of these stop at Dawlish and Teignmouth and could it even be diverted to Paignton. 3 trains an hour from Exeter to Plymouth is still good going for Exeter-Plymouth and it would provide the Cornish Riveria with a high quality service.

1 Cross Country and 1 GW HST per hour roughly, less at certain times of day, more at peaks etc.

Is there only one train from Paddington to Exeter each hour?

Also what happens to the Manchester to the southwest train then?

i think they underestimate kingskerswell, as for exminster... its a fair walk to the village,unless the swans nest gets a station  ;D.... in exminster surly plus bus extension would be the answer

I'm not sure about Kingskerswell, it's situated at the back of the housing estate I believe, and most people have cars/close access to the number 12 bus so it's far more convenient to go to nearby Newton Abbot where there is a much better level of service.

i think they underestimate kingskerswell,

New rail station is running late

THE timetable for building a railway station to serve the new town of Cranbrook has been pushed back.

Devon County Council had announced that it expected construction work on the multi-million pound station to start this spring.

But with a planning application yet to be submitted, the authority has said there is "more work yet to do" before it can confirm when the station will be built.

The county council has been working with Network Rail and South West Trains on the plans.

The station would give residents of Cranbrook, being built to the east of the city, a direct link to the rail network and is also expected to be used by workers at the nearby Skypark business park and Exeter Science Park. It is understood that services on the Exeter St David's to London Waterloo line will call at Cranbrook.

A council spokesman said: "There's a bit more work yet to do before a planning application can be submitted.

"The authority met with East Devon District Council planners and some parish councils in November for pre-application discussions that will help inform the submitted planning application.

"Those discussions included ideas about aspects of the design, such as the car park layout and types of facilities that will be provided, for example, the waiting shelter type, and cycle parking."

Initially it will be unmanned with a single platform, two shelters and a ticket machine. But the station will be designed with a view to adding a second platform as the number of passengers using it rises in the years ahead, if a double track is reinstated.

The initial layout also has an access road, a car park with more than 100 spaces, bus and taxi stops and bicycle parking.

The cost has been estimated at ^3.5 million, rising to ^4.5m by the time the station is fully developed. The county council is in talks with the South West Regional Development Agency and the Homes and Communities Agency about how to fund the project.

It was always intended that Cranbrook should have its own station, as well as a secondary school and two primary schools.

When work on the station was initially announced, Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "From the very start of planning the Cranbrook new community 15 years ago it was clear that a new railway station should be a fundamental part of the concept."

Plans for new railway station submitted

Detailed plans have been submitted for a new ^4.5million railway station at Cranbrook.

The station has been developed by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and the New Community Partnership, working with Network Rail and South West Trains.

Plans include a single platform, with the potential for a second track and a second platform.

As well as the new Cranbrook development, the station, on the Exeter to Waterloo line, will also serve Exeter Science Park and Skypark.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2010, and, subject to planning approval, work is expected to start in spring 2013.

Residents and businesses are being asked to comment on proposals for two new railway stations in Exeter.

Views are being sought in advance of formal planning applications being registered for the stations at Newcourt and Marsh Barton.

The stations will form a central part of plans to improve rail services through the Devon Metro initiative.

The station at Newcourt would be adjacent to the former Royal Naval Stores Depot development area, and would be just over 10 minutes from the city centre.

At Marsh Barton the station would be centrally located within the trading estate near the rail bridge served off Alphin Brook Road.

It is hoped that the latter station will relieve pressure on the A379 and Countess Wear from those commuting to the estate from south and east Devon. It will also increase public transport access to the Riverside Valley Park.

Both new stations will have similar facilities to those at Digby and Sowton, and will be connected to the city's walking and cycling networks.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, county councillor for St Loye's and Topsham, said he hoped that the Newcourt station could be operational in two years' time. He added: "It's encouraging that we are consulting and involving the local residents at an early stage. I look forward to when the station is open, offering an alternative mode of transport to local residents, while also helping to reduce congestion on local roads, including Topsham Road."

Alphington and Cowick county councillor Vanessa Newcombe said: "I welcome the progress of the proposal to put a new railway station in Marsh Barton. It will be a great asset to the area."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Plans are still being developed and while this is at a relatively early stage of the process we want to hear the thoughts of local businesses and local residents. There will obviously be more consultation once the plans have been developed and the formal process for applications is under way."

Comments should be emailed to transportplanning@devon.gov.uk, or they can be posted to Transport Planning, Lucombe House, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD.

New train stations will bring economic benefit and ease traffic congestion in the city

Posted on: 11 December 2012

Councillors will be asked this week, Wednesday 12 December, to approve layout plans for two new railway stations for Exeter, prior to formal planning applications being submitted. The two new stations, at Newcourt and Marsh Barton, will be part of the Devon Metro initiative, developed to help the local rail network improve capacity and quality of service. They are supported by Devon County Council^s Local Transport Plan and Exeter City^s Local Development Framework.

Newcourt station will be located adjacent to the former Royal Naval Stores Depot development area, with journey times into the city centre of just over 10 minutes.  It will consist of a single 124 metre platform, suitable for longer trains, and will include a shelter, ticket machine and customer information system. Pedestrian and cyclists^ access will mainly be from Liberty Way.  A small drop off area and parking for disabled people will also be provided.

The station at Marsh Barton will be centrally located within the trading estate, near the rail bridge served off Alphin Brook Road.  It will provide the opportunity for rail commuting from South and East Devon to the estate, relieving pressure on the A379 and Countess Wear. Two platforms, both 124 metres long, will be linked by a footbridge with a lift. The platforms will have shelters, ticket machines and a customer information system. Because Marsh Barton station will be used more by commuters travelling to work, it will have only limited parking, accessed from the Riverside Valley Park side of the railway, with spaces available for disabled people. Access for pedestrians, cyclists, and for emergency vehicles will from the Marsh Barton side of the station.

Both the Newcourt and Marsh Barton stations will include secure cycle facilities and CCTV security.

Proposals for the new stations have been positively received by the Devon and Exeter Rail Working Party and are supported by First Great Western and Network Rail, the Rail Users Group and the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership.

If Councillors like the plans on Wednesday, formal applications for planning permissions will be made, with further consultation to follow as part of the planning process. Preliminary estimated costs, subject to the final designs, are expected to be in the region of ^2 million for the new station at Newcourt, and ^4 million for the station at Marsh Barton. Funding has yet to be secured, but the Council hopes that with the outline designs agreed and with planning permission, they^ll be in a stronger position to secure external funding.

Devon County Council^s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes, said: ^We have an excellent rail network in Devon, with many of our major market and coastal towns well connected with Exeter, providing transport for work, leisure or shopping. We are keen that the rail network fulfils its potential and these two new stations will build upon recent funding secured for additional services and capacity on local routes out of Exeter. Economic assessment has shown that the proposed new stations would be good value for money providing travel time benefits for rail users who would be able to avoid traffic congestion on surrounding roads. Other road users are anticipated to benefit from congestion relief. There are few counties in the country making such major steps with the rail network and I will be encouraging Members to support this ongoing investment in the rail system, which is fundamental in supporting sustainable growth across the county.^

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, County Councillor for St Loyes and Topsham, said: ^ve been listening to people about the proposals and have taken their views on board. I^m looking forward to when the station is open, offering an alternative mode of transport to local residents, whilst also helping to reduce congestion on local roads, including Topsham Road."

Councillor Vanessa Newcombe, County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said: ^I welcome the progress of the proposal to put a new railway station in Marsh Barton. It will be a great asset to the area.^

Subject to Wednesday^s decision, the planning applications will be considered by the Council^s independent Development Management Committee in the New Year.

Exeter M5 junction 29 scheme opened by transport secretary

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56054000/jpg/_56054225_bridge.jpg)
Redhayes Bridge which crosses the M5 near junction 29 won an award when it was built in 2011

A major road scheme near Exeter has been officially opened by Transport Secretary Norman Baker.

The ^11m improvements to junction 29 of the M5 include new slip roads to the A30 and Exeter's new science park.

The roads will also serve the Skypark business development, the new town of Cranbrook, Flybe's training academy and a new terminal at Exeter Airport.

The Redhayes Bridge, which crosses the M5 near the junction, won a British Construction Industry Award in 2011.

After the official opening, Mr Baker was taken on a tour of the ^3m energy centre at Skypark.

Work on the junction upgrade began in May 2011.

Note that the government has today confirmed funding for Newcourt station on the branch.

Plans for a new ^1.44 million railway station in Devon have been unveiled by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin following a visit to the region.
The new station at Newcourt was given the green light alongside three other stations in the UK after successfully applying for funding under the New Station Fund.
The fund is part of ^37 billion worth of investment spent from 2014 to 2019, which will modernise the railways and provide massive benefits to both passengers and the UK economy.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who was in the region on Wednesday and Thursday [15 and 16 May] to meet with First Great Western^s Managing Director Mark Hopwood and other stakeholders said:
^Funding this new station illustrates our commitment to working with community and national partners to meet local transport needs that not only deliver real benefits to passengers but also improves the network.
^This is another example of the government^s determination to transform the railways as we continue to push forward with the biggest programme of rail investment ever.^
Mark Hopwood said:
^First Great Western are delighted that the Department for Transport has approved Devon County Council^s bid for a new station at Newcourt. 
^The growth in rail travel in Devon is amongst the highest in the country.   
^We have a strong partnership here with the council, the community and our industry partners.^  ^We now look forward to working with them to develop the new station, and to secure further improvements for our customers.^
The fund, managed by Network Rail, was announced at the end of January when local authorities, train operating companies and developers were invited to bid for funding towards the construction costs of brand new stations.
The successful bids announced today are:
^   Newcourt, Devon, where the DfT will pay for around half of the scheme expected to cost in the region of ^1.5 million
^   Ilkeston, Derbyshire, which will receive over ^4.5 million of DfT funding towards a scheme worth over ^6.5 million
^   Lea Bridge, London Borough of Waltham Forest, which will receive over ^1 million towards a scheme worth in excess of ^6.5 million
^   Pye Corner, Newport, which will receive over ^2.5 million towards a scheme worth over ^3.5 million
Scheme sponsor Devon County Council will now work with Network Rail to finalise the Newcourt station plans with the new station planned to open before the end of 2014.

Usanian

That's the nippy 100 yards dash fella, yeah?  :D

I have no idea what they call 'sleepers' in Paraguay.

New ^1.44 million railway station announced in Devon

Plans for a new ^1.44 million railway station in Devon have been unveiled by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin following a visit to the region.
The new station at Newcourt was given the green light alongside three other stations in the UK after successfully applying for funding under the New Station Fund.

The fund is part of ^37 billion worth of investment spent from 2014 to 2019, which will modernise the railways and provide massive benefits to both passengers and the UK economy.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who was in the region on Wednesday and Thursday [15 and 16 May] to meet with First Great Western^s Managing Director Mark Hopwood and other stakeholders said: ^Funding this new station illustrates our commitment to working with community and national partners to meet local transport needs that not only deliver real benefits to passengers but also improves the network. This is another example of the government^s determination to transform the railways as we continue to push forward with the biggest programme of rail investment ever.^

Mark Hopwood said: ^First Great Western are delighted that the Department for Transport has approved Devon County Council^s bid for a new station at Newcourt. The growth in rail travel in Devon is amongst the highest in the country. We have a strong partnership here with the council, the community and our industry partners. We now look forward to working with them to develop the new station, and to secure further improvements for our customers.^

The fund, managed by Network Rail, was announced at the end of January when local authorities, train operating companies and developers were invited to bid for funding towards the construction costs of brand new stations.

The successful bids announced today are:
Newcourt, Devon, where the DfT will pay for around half of the scheme expected to cost in the region of ^1.5 million
Ilkeston, Derbyshire, which will receive over ^4.5 million of DfT funding towards a scheme worth over ^6.5 million
Lea Bridge, London Borough of Waltham Forest, which will receive over ^1 million towards a scheme worth in excess of ^6.5 million
Pye Corner, Newport, which will receive over ^2.5 million towards a scheme worth over ^3.5 million

Scheme sponsor Devon County Council will now work with Network Rail to finalise the Newcourt station plans with the new station planned to open before the end of 2014.

Do we know if there's more stations still to be announced or whether those four are it?  Seems to be a little bit left in the original pot still...?

Do we know if there's more stations still to be announced or whether those four are it?  Seems to be a little bit left in the original pot still...?

Funding to improve ^tatty^ Polsloe Bridge railway halt

There is hope that something could be done to improve the railway halt at Polsloe Bridge.

At the moment the halt, which is well used, is looking the worse for wear, being overgrown with weeds and generally a bit tatty.

Cllr Westlake recently attended a meeting of the Avocet Line Rail Users^ Group where there were also representatives of First Great Western and the city and county councils.

Cllr Westlake said: ^This is now called a community railway line and it seems there is money available to improve stations on these. Polsloe at the moment is in a bit of a state with lots of nettles and there have been complaints from residents in Hamlin Lane about rats running around. It was decided a site visit could help see what can be done. For the first time ever it seems that the user figures will hit 1.5 million this year.

^They have also decided that they will run a Sunday service at Christmas to help those who want to come in and shop in Exeter.^

Good to see this story - I think there is a lot more potential at Polsloe Bridge.

Plans for improved rail service from Exeter^s Polsloe Bridge as Marsh Barton station receives successful investment

(http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/Article/images/20501894/5741604-large.jpg)

There are plans for an improved rail service from Exeter^s Polsloe Bridge. Commuters should be able to travel all the way from Polsloe Bridge to the planned station at Marsh Barton without having to change at Exeter St David^s.

The plans were revealed to Richard Westlake, county councillor for Polsloe and Newtown, at a meeting he attended between First Great Western, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Avocet Line Supporters group.

The news is particularly welcome as there had been fears that once the Newcourt station opens in December next year it reduce the service at Polsloe Bridge.

Cllr Westlake said: ^I asked about the future of the service as some people were worried that stops at Polsloe bridge might reduce when the Newcourt station opens but I was told that rather they are looking to improve the service and once they have the station at Marsh Barton open you will be able to travel all the way from Polsloe into central Station and then St David^s and on to Marsh Barton without having to change trains. First Great Western are very keen to work with Devon Metro on all the Devon lines to encourage as many commuters as they can to use the train.^

Newcourt station is expected to be built by next December.

Meanwhile, the plan to provide a station at Marsh Barton, just across the tracks from the new Energy from Waste plant, has also been successful in terms of investment. It was one of five schemes recently selected for investment by the newly-formed Local Transport Board for Devon and Somerset, and talks are continuing between the county council and Viridor, the operators of the Energy from Waste plant, on the question of access to the new station.

(http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/Article/images/20519733/5750516-large.jpg)

PLANS have been submitted for what will be Exeter^s ninth railway station if they get the go-ahead.

Already approved are plans for a new station at Newcourt and now Devon County Council is seeking planning permission for a new railway halt at Marsh Barton, close to the new Energy from Waste plant.

According to the council it could be built in 2016.

Plans for the two platform station had to be withdrawn earlier this year because there were unresolved questions about access between Devon County Council and Viridor, the operators of the Energy from Waste plant.

These issues have now been resolved ^ and the pedestrian and cycle route now runs directly alongside Clapperbrook Lane.

A spokeswoman for the authority said: ^The county council withdrew the planning application to improve the arrangements for pedestrian and cycle access alongside the Viridor site.^

The station will be unstaffed. It will have waiting shelters, cycle racks lighting, CCTV and an integrated help point and customer information service facility.

The county council is also proposing to erect a new steel footbridge to provide access across the railway for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme, which has received widespread support from the Marsh Barton Business Forum, which represents traders on the estate, is part of the Devon Metro project which aims to improve the railway network across the county.

A spokesman for the county council said: ^Once we have gained planning approval we will also be commencing the procurement process for a design and build contractor with a view to detailed design in 2015 and then construction in 2016.^


Read more: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Plans-Exeter-8217-s-ninth-railway-station-Marsh/story-20519733-detail/story.html#ixzz2rmzpEPBo

(http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276349/Article/images/20344208/5643353.jpg)

PLANS have been submitted for what will be Exeter^s ninth railway station if they get the go-ahead.

Work to start on Exeter^s Newcourt station for completion by December

The design and build contract has been awarded for a new ^1.5m train station in Exeter^s Newcourt.

Dyer & Butler and work is due to start on site this month for completion by December.

Newcourt station will be on the Exmouth branch line between Digby, Sowton and Topsham.

The line has already seen massive passenger growth over the last decade ^ from 800,000 passengers in 2002 to 1.2 million in 2012. The station will serve new housing and employment areas.

It is expected to open before the end of 2014 with trains running every half an hour.

Site clearance and reptile fencing has been established in advance of construction and the pedestrian footpath linking the station with Old Rydon Lane is nearly complete.

The local community group has been involved in the longer term arrangements for adopting the station and caring for the surrounding soft landscaping.

Government backing for the ^1.44m Newcourt Station was revealed by the Minister during a visit to the region.

.
From the Exeter Express & Echo

Newcourt station will be on the Exmouth branch line between Digby, Sowton and Topsham.

Wondered for a moment how it could be between 3 stations...    ???

Paul

Edit note: Now done - I hope this helps. CfN.  :)

I passed the site of Cranbrook station yesterday en route to Dawlish. Work on actual station buildings or platform do not seem to have started yet but the associated car park seems to be virtually finished.

Cost of new Exeter railway station at Marsh Barton increases by ^3m

(http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/Article/images/26816569/10408452-large.jpg)
Plans for the new station

The cost of building a new railway station at Marsh Barton has rocketed, the Echo can reveal.

When the scheme for the two-platform station was granted planning permission in July last year the cost was estimated at ^4.33m ^ it is now expected to be more than ^3m higher, at ^7.4m.

However, Devon^s cabinet is recommended to approve pressing ahead with the scheme when it meets next Wednesday as officers believe that it is still ^very good value for money^.

There are several reasons for the increased costs but the fact that the station will be on a main line has a significant bearing.

Members of the cabinet will hear that discussions are continuing with tenderers Network Rail and First Great Western to find ways of bringing costs down, such as re-timing sleeper trains to allow more working hours overnight, using single-line working at night and using innovative construction methods to minimise rail-side working time.

The scheme has already been out to tender and a contract is due to be awarded this coming September. However, if this date is missed it will have to go out to tender again, meaning more cost.

Exeter City Council is being asked to contribute ^1.3m to the scheme and its executive is due to take a decision when it meets later this month.

Teignbridge District Council has already agreed to contribute the same amount and a similar amount is being put in by Devon County Council.

It is proposed that the rest of the funding needed will come from the Government^s Growth Deal.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said the development was still good value for money.

He said: ^The opening of new rail stations on existing lines is relatively rare in this country and our recent experience at Newcourt has shown us that the actual cost of delivering a new station at Marsh Barton is likely to be higher than first thought. The estimate for the Marsh Barton station has changed for a number of reasons, including price inflation, legislation changes, changes to site access, and the fact that Network Rail and First Great Western fees are significantly higher than anticipated.^

He said the scheme wouldn^t proceed until funding is agreed.

Think you will need to step off smartly as the train passes through at 85mph! I have seen mentions before of Cranbrook on Journey Check so I conclude that the programmed times for Cranbrook are normally hidden from public view for the time being.

Phil, I saw an Exeter express and Echo article a few weeks back giving an opening date of October. Can't remember any more than that.

Every service between Friday night and Sunday night is calling according to real time trains, and then nothing for the rest of the month.

Is that possibly the same chump who apparently forgot to install a telephone line at Melksham for their new ticket vending machine ... ?  :o ::) ;D

Is that possibly the same chump who apparently forgot to install a telephone line at Melksham for their new ticket vending machine ... ?  :o ::) ;D

Fortunately didn't stop Melksham being used though. Is there any reason why passengers couldn't buy on board in the interim?

I've just been speaking to a friend who has recently moved to Cranbrook and, apparently, the latest anecdotal evidence regarding the opening of Cranbrook station is that "it has been delayed because somebody forgot to install a telephone line for the TVM"  :D   

The latest guesstimate is 14th December.

... a copper cable that will be at least one mile in length.

Well worth nicking, then.



Sorry: did I say that out loud??  :o ::) :-X

Work stalled on ^7m new Exeter railway station at Marsh Barton
(http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276269/Article/images/28495277/11886117-large.jpg)
An artists' impression of the proposed new railway station at Marsh Barton

Bricks and tracks are yet to be laid at Marsh Barton ^7.4m train station ^ despite the scheme being approved last July.
Following recent site clearance works, Devon County Council is said to still be working on the detailed designs for the two-platform station.

A spokesman for Devon County Council has said they are working ^closely^ with Network Rail to pin down a timetable for the construction of the new city rail link.

A meeting is set to be held between the two parties in the coming weeks, and further updates on the scheme^s process are expected in due course.

The new railway halt will eventually serve thousands of staff who work at the city^s largest employment site.
It is hoped it will help to ease congestion in the area.

One fears that the delays on the Filton Bank 4 tracking, in part at least caused by lack of mapping and recording of underground utilities (now having to be found and uncovered by spadework) will blight this new station too. Old works done "on the cheap" all those years back are having their payback time.

Buy it cheap, pay for it twice, eh?

Buy it cheap, pay for it twice, eh?

...or, as they used to say at a large aero-engine manufacturer I once worked for: Never enough money to do it right, always enough money to do it twice.

Is that why planes have two engines  :)

planning application has been submitted for the new Edginswell railway station on the outskirts of Torquay.

This follows a presentation of the draft plans to the   local Community Partnership group in December where a number of comments and feedback were received.

Torbay Council says these have now been incorporated, where possible, into the new application and address the design, landscaping, ecology and flood risk concerns.

The new station, which is supported by Torbay Council, is expected to open in 2018, and will consist of two platforms, both with access to shelters, ticket machines, real time information lighting and CCTV.

The station will be fully accessible to all with pedestrian access from both Newton Road and Riviera Way via steps, ramps and a footbridge to platform level.

Has anyone been travelling past the proposed Marsh Barton station site recently? Last I heard construction was due to start by now but despite the great progress Devon Metro has  made in the last few years I wonder if this one is up and running.

Fears Marsh Barton train halt plan will be scrapped

Teignbridge Council said they are still budgeting for the new £7.4m station to be built

A new £7.4million railway station in Exeter ‘will still happen’ - despite the project being on hold due to a lack of funding.
The building of a two-platform station at Marsh Barton was due get under way at the end of 2016, only for it to be delayed for technical reasons.

A new start date of early 2017 was then given but Devon County Council had previously confirmed that the project is on hold pending the next round of Government funding.

It is all part of a project to create a Devon Metro frequent train service linking Exeter with other parts of Devon.

(https://i2-prod.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/article270785.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Marsh-Barton-train-station.jpg)
A concept drawing of the proposed Marsh Barton train station in Exeter

But the bid for the new station at Marsh Barton, near Clapperbrook Lane, was unsuccessful as part of the latest DFT New Stations Fund – as was a bid for a new station in Edginswell in Torquay.

There won't be any more grants for New Stations until 2020 from the Government, but Rosalyn Eastman - planning officer for Teignbridge Council, confirmed at Tuesday’s planning meeting that the council were still committed to trying to fund the station and that it would still happen.

She said: We have committed funds to the project, and county council have said they would as well. We do want it to happen, but I am not aware of the exact funding position today. But I have been told that the station will happen, but I cannot be sure of when.”

The project to build the new station was due to be completed by the end of the year - but that date now seems incredibly unlikely.

(https://i2-prod.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/article270819.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Clapperbrook-LaneJPG.jpg)
The site of the proposed Marsh Barton train station at Clapperbrook Lane

A Devon County Council spokesman had said: “We are extremely disappointed not to receive funding from the latest round of New Stations Funding and, as a result, it unfortunately means that the proposed scheme for a station at Marsh Barton will now be further delayed.

“In making its decision on funding, the Department for Transport shared our concerns at the substantial rise in costs, but they recognised that the scheme has merit, and we will be taking them up on their offer to review the scheme with them and Network Rail. The scheme will remain on hold until this meeting can be arranged with the DfT.”

They added this week that since they had not been granted the New Stations Funding, there had been no update on the funding position.

(https://i2-prod.devonlive.com/incoming/article297809.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/devonmetroJPG.jpg)
The Devon Metro proposals (Image: Devon County Council)

The railway station, near Clapperbrook Lane, will eventually serve thousands of staff who work at the city’s largest employment site, if and when it is built.

It is hoped the new station it will encourage rail travel and help to ease road congestion in the area.
When the scheme for the two-platform station was granted planning permission in 2015 the cost was estimated at £4.33million – it is now expected to be in excess of £3million more.

Back in March, it was announced by Cllr Stuart Barker, cabinet member for economy and skills, that the funding deficit is expected to be closed within the next six months.

Cllr Alan Connett asked ‘when does Devon County Council anticipate the new rail station at Marsh Barton will be in use’ at the full council meeting last Thursday.

In response, Cllr Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste , said: “The situation at Marsh Barton Station is that we had a station design that met Network Rail’s design standards as agreed by the steering group (which includes Network Rail).

“However, following the award of the contract to design and build the station, Network Rail's design standards changed. This has led to the design being changed and subsequent rising costs and a funding gap. We have discussed this with the Department for Transport who shared our concerns, but they have recognised the merit of the scheme.

“The opening of the Station is dependent on closing the funding gap. We are working on several options including reducing costs and securing additional sources of funding from Network Rail and potentially the GWR franchise extension. Also, we have recently submitted a bid to Government for further funds as part of national bidding process. So, at present we have no planned date for bringing the station into use.”

Moving the goal posts?

From Devon Live (https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/still-no-opening-date-new-1816372)

Isn't it sometimes a good idea just to start modestly and expand if the scheme takes off?

I think Devonexpress's above observation about Marsh Barton is such a useful one. It would be great to have a complete in all aspects station up and running from day one but if that 'day one' is distant or uncertain due to high costs then surely a pared down version with an earlier start date could be seen as a serious option to consider. As long as later improvements would not, as a result, be compromised then there is surely little to loose and much to gain?

This was to be the first use of a modular construction designed to provide basic platform facilities at low cost

After seeing the works to extend Trowbridge and Freshford, I wonder if the modular construction really works out cheaper than the old-fashioned brick / infill?

Bricklaying takes time and if you are trying to do the work overnight or in possessions then you need to minimise time. Modular construction might have seemed to take a long time, but I suggest the traditional methods would have taken even longer. 

After seeing the works to extend Trowbridge and Freshford, I wonder if the modular construction really works out cheaper than the old-fashioned brick / infill?

Having seen the works at Melksham, I suspect that relative price comes down to how long the line / track has to be closed.  Modular construction as we have seen it has lead to an enormous amount of time and effort away from the line of track and clearance distance from it, but then with the extra platform sections being placed in a very short time.  Modern safety standards preclude work being done on an open railway with the brickies hopping out of the way as a train approaches, even if that train in under a temporary speed restriction (TSR) and there's a lookout man employed to tell the team doing the actual job to get out of the way.

Logic is that new platforms on new tracks could still be cheaper using old fashioned methods.  But then would you have the skilled team available, or is it best simply to have a single pool of roving station builders, putting in platforms at Kenilworth one week, Freshford the next, Stonehenge and Wilton next year, Pilning Westgate in 2020, and Portishead in 2021.

Sorry, don't you mean Portishead 2120.  ;D