New rail station for Mid Devon
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.
The announcement, part of a £92 billion national transport investment programme, includes over £47 million to reinstate passenger services between Portishead and Bristol — and, crucially for Devon, two brand-new stations along the Exeter to Taunton line, one of which will be in Cullompton.
The Cullompton station — mothballed since the 1960s — will offer thousands of local residents improved access to jobs, education, and public services. It forms part of wider ambitions to support housing and employment growth in Mid Devon.
Meanwhile, South Devon is set to see long-promised improvements to the A382 corridor between Drumbridges and Newton Abbot finally move forward. The scheme includes major upgrades to four junctions, two new roundabouts, a new link road, and new pedestrian and cycle paths.
The Department for Transport says the improvements will ease congestion, unlock new housing, and make everyday journeys quicker and safer.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving local communities the funding boost they need. From Cullompton to Newton Abbot, these projects will fast-track jobs, growth, and new homes — and help people get where they need to go more easily.”
The full transport package includes over 50 road and rail upgrades across the country, with targeted improvements across the South West including:
- Dualling sections of the A350 Chippenham Bypass
- Widening slip roads on the A38 at Manadon Interchange (Plymouth)
- Improvements to junctions on the A38 in North Somerset
Mid Devon and Teignbridge leaders have long pushed for these investments to meet the needs of growing towns like Cullompton and Newton Abbot.
The Cullompton station and A382 upgrade now move into delivery planning stages, with further updates expected later this year.