A new GWR station in the southern suburbs of Exeter will open on 4 July.

Marsh Barton station has cost £16 million. The project was managed by Devon County Council in collaboration with GWR and Network Rail, and the station was built by civil engineers GRAHAM Group Ltd.

The two-platform station, on the Great Western Main Line south of Exeter St Thomas, will provide new links to Alphington, Marsh Barton and the Riverside Valley Park. A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway had already opened in April.

The station will not be staffed, but it is equipped with ticket machines, departure screens, shelters and help points. Trains between Paignton and Exmouth will call once an hour, with two trains an hour at peak times. The first train at the new station will be the 05.34 from Exeter St Davids to Paignton, which is due to call at 05.38.

Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport Andrea Davis said: ‘It’s excellent news that the station has passed all the necessary checks and that it can now open to passengers. The station will be a huge asset to this part of Exeter, providing convenient access to Marsh Barton trading estate as well as connecting with active links to access other areas of the city.’

GWR business development director Tom Pierpoint added: ‘New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area. Marsh Barton is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Portway Park & Ride in Bristol and Reading Green Park.’