Okehampton - 3 Years On

[CornishDave]

The footbridge is owned by Devon County Council. Although I have no idea if there are plans to repair it.

 

[uglymonkey]

I would have thought if its a safety issue, the least they could do is pull down the rest of the roof and have the footbridge totally uncovered ( Lots of these similar aged footbridges on the network, so that it can be used again. ( Although only to the Dartmoor supporters shop on the far platform?)

 

[Oxfordblues]

A lot of discussion of how successful the Okehampton reopening has been, based on revenue generated. By contrast when the M5 opened nobody asked if it had been a success as they forgot to install any toll booths to collect the revenue. On that basis the M5 has been a financial disaster!

 

[John Luxton]

I would have thought if its a safety issue, the least they could do is pull down the rest of the roof and have the footbridge totally uncovered ( Lots of these similar aged footbridges on the network, so that it can be used again. ( Although only to the Dartmoor supporters shop on the far platform?)

There is the Youth Hostel in the former goods shed and a bike hire business on the other side as well as the museum. The road underbridge is quite narrow and pedestrians have to mingle with traffic. Presumably the wind did more damage to the bridge than blow the roof off, otherwise once that was removed there should have been no reason why it could not be kept open.

 

[uglymonkey]

Agreed, that tunnel is a nightmare not only for its narrowness, but also for sight lines.

 

[zwk500]

A lot of discussion of how successful the Okehampton reopening has been, based on revenue generated. By contrast when the M5 opened nobody asked if it had been a success as they forgot to install any toll booths to collect the revenue. On that basis the M5 has been a financial disaster!

Can't see any reference on the thread to revenue, only cost and passenger numbers.

 

[Brush 4]

I enquired about this to Devon CC and this was the slightly exasperated reply on June 18

'Thank you for your email which has been forwarded to me for reply.

As you are aware the bridge was closed following part of the bridge canopy being blown off in Storm Henk. This left part of the remaining canopy in place, secured safely, but concerns where raised that this needed removing to ensure continuity of rail service. Upon this advice, the County Council instructed Network Rail (NR) to remove the remaining canopy. Upon further inspection it was clear that having removed the canopy, a number of timber elements, nails, bolts and electrical cables have been left in a dangerous state. For this reason we have been unable to open the bridge to pedestrians whilst we prepare to have them made safe.

Unfortunately this is not down to a simple decision being made, rather an onerous situation whereby the footbridge spans a live railway but ownership sits with the County Council. As a result this requires the County Council to either apply for possession of the railway line which can often take plus 12 months of negotiations with NR. Or, as we have done in this case, seek assistance from NR’s own contractor to carry out the safety repair.

I would advise that we have engaged with Balfour Beatty (NR’s contractor) and have been waiting for the last 5 months for them to provide an estimated cost to make the bridge safe. Once we have received that estimate , and subject to it being within a reasonable budget, then the works will be carried out. I apologise for the delay but unfortunately the restrictions placed on a live railways are difficult and time consuming to navigate.'

 

[uglymonkey]

The joke is the trains always stop short of the footbridge most of the time !

 

[The Planner]

I enquired about this to Devon CC and this was the slightly exasperated reply on June 18

'Thank you for your email which has been forwarded to me for reply.

As you are aware the bridge was closed following part of the bridge canopy being blown off in Storm Henk. This left part of the remaining canopy in place, secured safely, but concerns where raised that this needed removing to ensure continuity of rail service. Upon this advice, the County Council instructed Network Rail (NR) to remove the remaining canopy. Upon further inspection it was clear that having removed the canopy, a number of timber elements, nails, bolts and electrical cables have been left in a dangerous state. For this reason we have been unable to open the bridge to pedestrians whilst we prepare to have them made safe.

Unfortunately this is not down to a simple decision being made, rather an onerous situation whereby the footbridge spans a live railway but ownership sits with the County Council. As a result this requires the County Council to either apply for possession of the railway line which can often take plus 12 months of negotiations with NR. Or, as we have done in this case, seek assistance from NR’s own contractor to carry out the safety repair.

I would advise that we have engaged with Balfour Beatty (NR’s contractor) and have been waiting for the last 5 months for them to provide an estimated cost to make the bridge safe. Once we have received that estimate , and subject to it being within a reasonable budget, then the works will be carried out. I apologise for the delay but unfortunately the restrictions placed on a live railways are difficult and time consuming to navigate.'

This is blocking a branch line, so quoting 12 months to get a block of Okehampton is technically true based on the EAS process but unlikely to be that. It will be a case of "GWR, when can we take a 54 hour of Okehampton please" and probably GWR saying "as long as it isn't summer, fill your boots"

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Tidying up work on the footbridge has started - had a look today. New timber capping baulks where the roof snapped off and some repointing of the brickwork on the side stairs. It will remain open to the elements unfortunately - Okehampton is not normally noted for sunshine unlike today!

 

[Merle Haggard]

A couple of us 'did the branch' a couple of weeks ago. Idling time for the return, we saw the sign advertising a 'railway museum' on the opposite platform We followed the clear signs, under the bridge and back up and onto the platform The museum is small but worth visiting if you are there.
However, when we came back out onto the platform a member of staff (presumably so - sweeping) on the main platform shouted at us 'What are you doing over there?' - I explained our purpose. This did not satisfy. The question was asked, perhaps, slightly aggressively but the statement 'you went across the footbridge!' certainly seemed to be, and was, as I've explained, just not true.
Is the opposite platform, even if accessed by using the under bridge, prohibited? Or just two factions?

 

[D Williams]

From the Dartmoor Railway Association Website;

Following the damage caused by Storm Henk at the beginning of the year, we regret that the footbridge remains closed until Devon County Council can repair it. Consequently the museum cannot be overseen by shop staff, and will only be opened on days when platform 2 volunteers are in attendance, i.e. Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1000 and 1600. These opening hours will apply from Easter.​

 

[Ferris boy]

Apologies if I've missed the topic before, but as an infrequent user of the Tarka Line, why is there no mention of reopening North Tawton or Bow stations ? They're only a mile from their villages and neither would need lifts/bridges. Both villages are far larger than most villages with stations still open on the Tarka Line so where is the consistency of service ?

 

[Merle Haggard]

From the Dartmoor Railway Association Website;

Following the damage caused by Storm Henk at the beginning of the year, we regret that the footbridge remains closed until Devon County Council can repair it. Consequently the museum cannot be overseen by shop staff, and will only be opened on days when platform 2 volunteers are in attendance, i.e. Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1000 and 1600. These opening hours will apply from Easter.​

Thanks. As it happened the visit (my post above) was on a Wednesday, off the 13.38 ex Exeter. We certainly didn't pass any 'no entry' signs or barriers, and the Museum door was open. The information you give from the website was not, as far as I saw, displayed anywhere on the station that I could see - certainly, the 'why not visit the Museum?' poster that caught our attention on the station didn't mention the limited opening times.
I didn't realise that the D.R.A. had any involvement with the station now that it's on the network - certainly when I asked whether the buffet was still operated by them (as it used to be) I was told (emphatically) not.
.

 

[AlastairFraser]

Apologies if I've missed the topic before, but as an infrequent user of the Tarka Line, why is there no mention of reopening North Tawton or Bow stations ? They're only a mile from their villages and neither would need lifts/bridges. Both villages are far larger than most villages with stations still open on the Tarka Line so where is the consistency of service ?

If you look at previous Okehampton threads, I believe members have previously stated it is because of tight turnarounds at one end of the Okehampton service on the current timetable.

Introducing new stations would mean journey time improvements would be needed, and the proposed Okehampton Parkway on the A30 is the station with priority at the moment.

 

[uglymonkey]

Re North Tawton or Bow stations Reopening. No plans at all, Samford Courtney would stand a better chance than either of them, but that's a no too. North Tawton, the track and ballast is actually way above the former platforms ( you look down on them as you pass) as the track was lifted when they put a taller bridge in at the end of the station for bigger lorries to pass through. Network rail are not remotely interested in allowing any heritage stuff to run Meldon, Okehampton either, as they have left it to the rot and undergrowth. There was talk of fiddling with Coleford Junction at some point, to make the Barnstaple/Okehampton twin branches into a "proper" up and down line to increase capacity . However I guess that has gone, as well, the way off all flesh with the government cutting back everything.

 

[D Williams]

Apologies if I've missed the topic before, but as an infrequent user of the Tarka Line, why is there no mention of reopening North Tawton or Bow stations ? They're only a mile from their villages and neither would need lifts/bridges. Both villages are far larger than most villages with stations still open on the Tarka Line so where is the consistency of service ?

THE DARTMOOR LINE RE-OPENING OF EXETER – OKEHAMPTON RAIL SERVICE BREIFING NOTES FOR COUNCILLORS
What about other stations? The time taken to run the 17 miles from Crediton to Okehampton, turn round then run back to Crediton, limits the potential for other station stops. The 70mph limit from Easter 2022 should give a margin for one intermediate stop, which logically should be at the new Okehampton Parkway Station (see below). There won’t be a margin for any other stops, thus ruling out North Tawton, Bow or Yeoford, even if these stations actually existed. The only way to increase line capacity for additional stops would be to install a passing loop and new signalling (North Tawton would be a good place!!). Likely to cost £2 – 3 million. This has not been funded in the initial scheme. North Tawton Station Unfortunately there is no longer a station at North Tawton. The original ‘Up’ platform (towards Crediton) was buried when the track was raised over the new Whiddon Down Road bridge in the 1970’s. All the land and the old station buildings are now in private ownership. Network Rail only own the track and a narrow strip on the site of the old platform. Any new station at North Tawton would need to be built from scratch, and the land acquired by purchase. No funding has been provided for this and the cost is likely to be several £million. Okehampton Parkway Devon County Council own a site at the Exeter Road Industrial Estate for a ‘Parkway’station. This would be ideally placed for the Eastern side of Okehampton and all those new housing estates, plus easy access off the A30. However, the Parkway station is not included in the initial funding and money would have to be raised (by DCC?) to get it built. Even the design work has not been funded at this point – DCC are currently raising the funding. Network Rail will allow for a Parkway station in their initial scheme i.e. the track will be laid so as to accommodate a platform at that point in the future. However, even when funding is available, the design, regulatory and construction process means the station could take up to 3 years before it comes into service.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2024 ==

From the Dartmoor Railway Supporters website;

Rolling Stock​

Some details of the railway vehicles remaining on the railway.


D4167 (Class 08 shunter 08937)

S103 (Steam locomotive)

RDB 975046 (Lab 11)

S13436 (FK)

731411 (LMS Brake Van)

LDS55625 (SR Brake Van)

Access warning​

Please note that stock is stored at Meldon, and Meldon yard is NOT open to the public. The yard is in a privately owned quarry site, and the quarry working restrictions are still in force. Please do not trespass.

 

[30907]

If you look at previous Okehampton threads, I believe members have previously stated it is because of tight turnarounds at one end of the Okehampton service on the current timetable.

Introducing new stations would mean journey time improvements would be needed, and the proposed Okehampton Parkway on the A30 is the station with priority at the moment.

Could a factor be that both villages are on a relatively good bus route (Exeter-Crediton-Torrington-Barnstaple)

 

[AlastairFraser]

Could a factor be that both villages are on a relatively good bus route (Exeter-Crediton-Torrington-Barnstaple)

True.

THE DARTMOOR LINE RE-OPENING OF EXETER – OKEHAMPTON RAIL SERVICE BREIFING NOTES FOR COUNCILLORS
What about other stations? The time taken to run the 17 miles from Crediton to Okehampton, turn round then run back to Crediton, limits the potential for other station stops. The 70mph limit from Easter 2022 should give a margin for one intermediate stop, which logically should be at the new Okehampton Parkway Station (see below). There won’t be a margin for any other stops, thus ruling out North Tawton, Bow or Yeoford, even if these stations actually existed. The only way to increase line capacity for additional stops would be to install a passing loop and new signalling (North Tawton would be a good place!!). Likely to cost £2 – 3 million. This has not been funded in the initial scheme. North Tawton Station Unfortunately there is no longer a station at North Tawton. The original ‘Up’ platform (towards Crediton) was buried when the track was raised over the new Whiddon Down Road bridge in the 1970’s. All the land and the old station buildings are now in private ownership. Network Rail only own the track and a narrow strip on the site of the old platform. Any new station at North Tawton would need to be built from scratch, and the land acquired by purchase. No funding has been provided for this and the cost is likely to be several £million. Okehampton Parkway Devon County Council own a site at the Exeter Road Industrial Estate for a ‘Parkway’station. This would be ideally placed for the Eastern side of Okehampton and all those new housing estates, plus easy access off the A30. However, the Parkway station is not included in the initial funding and money would have to be raised (by DCC?) to get it built. Even the design work has not been funded at this point – DCC are currently raising the funding. Network Rail will allow for a Parkway station in their initial scheme i.e. the track will be laid so as to accommodate a platform at that point in the future. However, even when funding is available, the design, regulatory and construction process means the station could take up to 3 years before it comes into service.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2024 ==

From the Dartmoor Railway Supporters website;

Rolling Stock​

Some details of the railway vehicles remaining on the railway.


D4167 (Class 08 shunter 08937)

S103 (Steam locomotive)

RDB 975046 (Lab 11)

S13436 (FK)

731411 (LMS Brake Van)

LDS55625 (SR Brake Van)

Access warning​

Please note that stock is stored at Meldon, and Meldon yard is NOT open to the public. The yard is in a privately owned quarry site, and the quarry working restrictions are still in force. Please do not trespass.

Thank you, this was the info I was referring to.

 

[Ferris boy]

Thanks for the info which explains the current lack of stops between Okehampton and Crediton.
Having looked further on Google maps, Sampford Courtenay/ Belstone Corner looks re-openable for less than £1M, with platform, car park and even a Dartmoor Rail station sign all intact. I guess it would need Coleford Junction remodelling first, as Coleford to Okehampton looks a similar length to the single track from Crediton to Eggesford that the Tarka line copes with quite well.

 

[AlastairFraser]

Thanks for the info which explains the current lack of stops between Okehampton and Crediton.
Having looked further on Google maps, Sampford Courtenay/ Belstone Corner looks re-openable for less than £1M, with platform, car park and even a Dartmoor Rail station sign all intact. I guess it would need Coleford Junction remodelling first, as Coleford to Okehampton looks a similar length to the single track from Crediton to Eggesford that the Tarka line copes with quite well.

Issue with that is there isn't much population close to that station. North Tawton is a more significant settlement in its own right, with provision for a lot of housebuilding to make the stop viable from an Exeter or beyond commuter/leisure perspective.

 

[InkyScrolls]

I've just travelled (yesterday) on the Barnstaple and Okehampton branches - both very very busy indeed! The section between Crediton and Yeoford I found interesting; why the lower linespeed on the Okehampton track?

 

[Xavi]

I've just travelled (yesterday) on the Barnstaple and Okehampton branches - both very very busy indeed! The section between Crediton and Yeoford I found interesting; why the lower linespeed on the Okehampton track?

Coleford to Crediton on the Okehampton line was not renewed in 2021 hence the lower speed than the Barnstaple line. GWR has asked for renewals to be brought forward, including relocating the Crediton crossovers to Colebrook, but NR doesn’t have available funds in CP7. Renewals will be required before too long though.

 

[InkyScrolls]

Coleford to Crediton on the Okehampton line was not renewed in 2021 hence the lower speed than the Barnstaple line. GWR has asked for renewals to be brought forward, including relocating the Crediton crossovers to Colebrook, but NR doesn’t have available funds in CP7. Renewals will be required before too long though.

That's interesting, thank you. Do you know if there is any intention, long term, to provide Yeoford with a second platform for the Okehampton branch? I don't know the area very well so I'm in the dark over whether that would be worthwhile.

 

[Xavi]

That's interesting, thank you. Do you know if there is any intention, long term, to provide Yeoford with a second platform for the Okehampton branch? I don't know the area very well so I'm in the dark over whether that would be worthwhile.

Relocating the crossovers from Crediton to Coleford would necessitate the reinstatement of a second platform at Yeoford and it may then be possible to stop some Okehampton trains there, providing track renewal on the current Okehampton line also proceeded, thus increasing linespeed and saving a couple of minutes.

 

[Brush 4]

If cost overrides everything else, wouldn't it be cheaper to just leave the Crediton crossovers where they are and just install the Coleford ones, thus halving the amount of work needed? No removal, just installation. Aren't track components manufactured these days or is it all second hand?

 

[30907]

If cost overrides everything else, wouldn't it be cheaper to just leave the Crediton crossovers where they are and just install the Coleford ones, thus halving the amount of work needed? No removal, just installation. Aren't track components manufactured these days or is it all second hand?

You would have to maintain the redundant crossovers and resignal Crediton anyway, so little saving.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Retaining a crossover at Crediton would be useful for turning trains around. There are currently no services timetabled to do that but it happens during disruption.

 

[LUYMun]

The cheapest way going about would be reinstating the second platform at Yeoford. Increases flexibility for passengers to travel to/from that station with either Barnstaple or Okehampton trains.

 

[brad465]

Are there any plans to resignal the Tarka line in the near future (and by default the Dartmoor line)? The website The Signal Box thinks Exeter, Crediton, Exmouth Junction and Paignton boxes will close in 2026, with control moved to Didcot. However the scale of this job seems too good to be true, which makes me think it was a pre-covid plan that's been delayed and/or scaled back now.