New Rail Stations, Road Expansion and Safer Travel
Devon is poised for a major transport transformation as part of a £92 billion national infrastructure investment, with new railway stations and road upgrades designed to enhance regional mobility. Two new rail stations between Exeter and Taunton, alongside improvements on key routes like the A382 and junctions in Plymouth, will expand public access, support job growth, and reduce congestion. These long-awaited upgrades mark a significant step in linking rural communities with economic and urban growth zones.
The development of new railway stations at Cullompton and Wellington is set to reshape mobility across Devon and Somerset, reconnecting communities and boosting daily accessibility. These stations, approved as part of a broader regional rail expansion, aim to close longstanding connectivity gaps between rural and suburban areas while unlocking land for housing and employment hubs. Authorities overseeing the initiative note that the move aligns with wider regeneration goals—improving public transport access and reducing car dependency. The stations will feed into the main line between Exeter and Taunton, offering improved commuter options for thousands in the South West. Experts suggest this could drive up demand for rail usage, reduce carbon emissions from private vehicles, and support the development of over a million new homes nationwide. The plan also complements ongoing efforts to restore disused routes, including the Portishead-Bristol line, signalling a broader shift toward reinstating regional rail as a core transport solution.
Devon’s roads are also receiving significant attention, particularly the A382 corridor from Drumbridges to Newton Abbot—one of the region’s busiest thoroughfares. The approved project will include highway realignment, widening, four junction upgrades (including two roundabouts), a new link road, and pedestrian-cyclist infrastructure. These enhancements are designed to streamline local travel, reduce bottlenecks, and support active mobility alternatives. In addition, junction improvements around Plymouth’s A374, A386, and A364 will be implemented to improve traffic flow and commuter safety. These roadworks are part of a wider government strategy to address regional traffic issues without focusing solely on national motorway expansion. According to planners, these schemes will benefit both local residents and tourists, improving access to key towns and coastal destinations while enabling faster emergency response and freight movement. The upgrades align with the broader goals of economic decentralisation, smart regional growth, and improving quality of life in smaller urban and peri-urban areas.
Devon’s transport investments represent a strategic push toward inclusive, region-specific development. By upgrading roads and reintroducing rail access, the region is set to benefit from safer, faster, and greener connectivity. These infrastructure improvements are not only expected to ease daily commutes and reduce congestion but also support sustainable housing growth, job creation, and long-term climate goals. As part of a larger national vision, the developments reaffirm the role of regional transport in delivering equitable growth, revitalising smaller communities, and ensuring that connectivity isn’t confined to metropolitan centres but extends across the South West.
