For the first time in nearly 50 years, regular passenger services will run on the Dartmoor Line, connecting Okehampton to Exeter. Services will launch on Saturday 20 November, marking the first reopening under the Government’s Restoring Your Railway programme which is exploring ways to return old lines and stations to service across the country. More ➔ “Government restores the Dartmoor Line as services resume for first time in half a century from 20 November”
Despite the wet weather, Okehampton’s community turned out in force at the weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first public passenger train arriving at Okehampton station. On Saturday, more than 150 people – many in period costume – enjoyed a Victorian Tea Party at the town’s Charter Hall. More ➔ “Community celebrates 150 years of Okehampton’s railway”
Celebrations are in store this weekend (2-3 October) to mark the 150th anniversary of the first public passenger train arriving at Okehampton station. With work to reopen the Dartmoor Line progressing well, the town will be decorated with ribbons, bunting, Union flags and flower baskets. More ➔ “Okehampton celebrates 150 years of the railway as reopening draws nearer”
Network Rail is asking people to avoid attempting to access the Dartmoor Line as the number of trains travelling along the railway increases starting from this week (20th September onwards). 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. More ➔ “Safety warning issued as train activity to start on Dartmoor Line”
As work to reopen the Dartmoor Line between Okehampton and Exeter continues, over the coming weeks, a programme of events and exhibitions will celebrate 150 years since the railway first arrived in Okehampton. They will include an exhibition of historical photos in the town’s Charter Hall, displays in Okehampton shop windows and street banners, flags and bunting leading up to the anniversary weekend itself, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October. More ➔ “All aboard for 1871 – celebrating 150 years of Okehampton’s railway”
As part of readiness to enable regular passenger services to run by the end of the year, five railway communication masts – also known as GSM-R masts – are being installed along the route. These masts (which are part of a nationwide railway safety system) enable direct and continuous communication between train driver and signaller which considerably improves punctuality, reliability and safety for all passengers. More ➔ “Communication masts”
Work has recently begun to upgrade Okehampton station ahead of services resuming later this year. The most visible work is taking place on the platform where the edging stones are being adjusted. This will ensure the gap between the train and the platform is as small as possible and make it easier for passengers to access the train. More ➔ “Okehampton station upgrades underway”
