North Devon Rail Alliance Plans Future Line Improvements

Rail groups will meet in Barnstaple on March 7. They plan to improve the North Devon line, also known as the Tarka Line. The goal is to modernize the current railway and extend it to Bideford.

The Northern Devon Railway Alliance will hold its second yearly convention. It focuses on improving the railway line and extending it to Bideford.

Roger Blake organized the event for Railfuture. The line is very popular, even on weekends, and often people must stand. They want more seating for everyone, and capacity needs an increase, Blake said.

Railfuture sponsors the upcoming convention. About 36 groups will send representatives. They all work together to improve rail service, and improving travel times will be a topic.

Securing two trains per hour is another goal. They will also plan the Bideford extension. A new campaign banner will launch at the event to back their efforts.

The ‘ACE Rail’ campaign started four years ago with the aim to modernize the railway. The Dartmoor Line reopening added momentum. A historic train went back to Bideford in 2021.

Barnstaple’s Mayor, Janet Coates, will open the event. Mark Hopwood, the Managing Director of Great Western Railway, will present a welcome video. Discussions also involve Devon’s transport plan.

The plan covers 2025 to 2040. Including the rail plans is important. Some Alliance members will go to Falmouth to attend a Department for Transport event. They hope for North Devon line investments.

Ian Brown said the project has great enthusiasm, having attended last year’s event. Work progresses to meet transport needs and will help Devon’s economy and environment. Education, work access, and tourism will benefit.

The Alliance has 24 partner groups involved. Great Western Railway and Network Rail participate, as well as local councils. Navantia UK (Harland & Wolff), also takes part and are important to the local economy.