Pedestrian and cycle bridge lifted in to new Exeter railway station

Published: 2 March 2022

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge has been lifted into place as part of the development of Marsh Barton railway station.

The installation of the 16-metre span structure over the railway line, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, is a major milestone in the project.

Devon County Council has been working closely with Network Rail and GWR to time the bridge lift to coincide with a pre-planned weekend closure of the line.

Work over the coming months will now focus on the approaches to the bridge, as well as access and emergency escape ramps, platform development and mechanical and electrical elements.

The new bridge, which is expected to open to the public in the autumn, will form an essential part of the new station.

It will provide a separate route for pedestrians and cyclists, away from traffic on the narrow Clapperbrook Lane, as well as enhancing walking and cycling connections between Alphington, Marsh Barton and the Riverside Valley Park.

Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “We are really pleased to see the investment and installation of this important bridge.

“It will improve links between communities and businesses and create options for active travel and leisure. This sort of infrastructure is crucial to make active travel a viable option to car travel, making walking and cycling safer and improving links.”

Matt Barnes, GWR Head of Strategic Service Development, said: “We are pleased to see the new bridge in place having worked closely with Network Rail and Devon County Council to ensure that installation was undertaken within existing engineering work, limiting disruption to our customers.

“Marsh Barton station will provide a key transport link into this important area of Exeter, helping to reduce road congestion and offering more sustainable travel choices. We look forward to opening the station by the end of this year.”

The station, located on the eastern edge of Marsh Barton near the Energy from Waste plant, is being developed by GRAHAM Construction Ltd on behalf of Devon County Council.

GRAHAM’s Contracts Director Andrew Henry said: “We’re pleased to have reached this milestone in the project and worked collaboratively with Devon County Council and Network Rail to deliver this key element of infrastructure which forms part of the new Marsh Barton station.

“As well as providing step free access to the station the new pedestrian and cycle bridge will encourage greener transport options and form a safe, traffic-free route for pedestrians and cyclists using the station.”

The station is scheduled to open for passenger service next winter.