The Anonymous Widower

New Rail Station For Mid Devon

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Exeter Today.

These are the first two paragraphs.

Devon is set to benefit from a major transport funding boost as the Government today confirmed plans for a new railway station in Cullompton and approved a long-awaited upgrade to the A382 between Drumbridges and Newton Abbot.

It does appear, that according to its Wikipedia entry, Collumpton station has been a bit on-and-off.

In the October 2021 budget, development funding of £5m was allocated for the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton stations. However, in 2024 the Minister of State for Rail, Peter Hendy, stated that the proposed reopening of Cullompton station would no longer be funded by the UK government. Following the government’s spending review in June 2025, funding was confirmed for the station.

But now it appears to be definitely on.

This Google Map shows, the railway and the M5 passing Collumpton.

Note.

1. The M5 runs North-South across the map, with Junction 28 about half-way.
2. North-west of the junction are Collumpton Motorway Services.
3. The Bristol-Exeter Line runs North-South to the West of the services.

This second Google Map shows the Northern end of the services.

Note.

1. Parking at the services appears rather limited.
2. Trucks seem to be parked at the Northern end of the services.
3. I feel there would be space to put a platform on either side of the rail lines.
4. I doubt a bridge with lifts would be a problem.
5. The station could share the facilities of the services.
6. Could some of the fields to the West of the railway be used to create parking?
7. The station could be built to accept nine-car Class 802 trains.

Collumpton station could be built to have a high capacity and direct access to the town and the M5.

I have some thoughts.

Could Collumpton Station Function As A Parkway Station?

I believe it certainly could for Exeter, Bristol and even London.

In Darlington Station – 26th June 2025, I showed how Network Rail are creating a 650-place car park at the station, which could be a major draw for travellers.

Could a large car park be provided here to attract travellers?

South West Rail Resilience Programme

This is the first paragraph of this article on Modern Railways.

The Government has paused the third phase of Midland main line electrification to Sheffield and Nottingham, plus the final phase of the South West Rail Resilience Programme (SWRRP), which involves strengthening cliffs at Holcombe.

If the final phase of the South West Rail Resilience Programme is paused, what happens if God decides to block the line through Teignmouth.

I have thought for some time, that one of the purposes of Okehampton Interchange station is to provide an alternative route to the South-West.

If the sea should destroy the coastal railway, as it did a few years ago, then passengers for the South-West could be ferried to and from Okehampton Interchange station by high-speed hydrogen-powered coaches along the A30, to catch trains to Exeter and London.

So, I would build a hydrogen filling station at Collumpton services, so that if the sea destroys the coastal railway again, the alternative of hydrogen coaches is ready.

If Okehampton Interchange station can also be used as an alternative, two alternatives might just ensure that the alternative routes never need to be used.

July 9, 2025 - Posted by AnonW | Environment, Transport/Travel | Bristol - Exeter Line, Collumpton Station, daw, Great Western Railway, Hydrogen-Powered Coaches, M5 Motorway, Okehampton Interchange Station, South West Rail Resilience Programme, Weather