It looks as if regular passenger trains will soon be running again between Exeter and Okehampton. The news comes in the National Infrastructure Strategy published by the government today. Between now and 2024, £17.5 billion will be invested to renew and upgrade the railway system, improving passenger journeys across the UK
Part of that is a £500m investment to restore transport services previously lost in the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, including restoring rail links to Okehampton closed in 1972.
During recent months, Network Rail has been working on the track and bridges between Coleford Junction on the Barnstaple line and Okehampton amid some speculation that Meldon Quarry may reopen to provide ballast for HS2.
Today’s announcement also includes a reminder that money is available to fund feasibility studies into re-opening Wellington and Cullompton railway stations.
The government says it is also expanding the third round of the New Stations Fund to £32 million. This will fund the opening of a railway station at Edginswell between Newton Abbot and Torre on the Riviera Line
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