Local West Devon plant hire firm supports building of £15m Okehampton Interchange

Machinery from H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd is playing a key part in building the new Okehampton Interchange, a £15 million transport project that will form part of the wider Dartmoor Line development.

The company, which operates a local depot on North Road in Okehampton serving Devon and Cornwall, is providing machinery and on-the-ground support for the project.

Having a facility such as this at home in Okehampton means local support, machinery and operations are readily available for projects in West Devon like the new station.

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Okehampton’s new Interchange station is being constructed about 2.2 kilometres east of the current Okehampton Station and is expected to open in 2026. 

Once complete, it will include a single platform with full step-free access, a car park with around 200 spaces, electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and disabled bays. 

The site will also feature a new bus stop with shelter and drop-off area, together with a shared cycle and footpath, creating a fully connected transport hub for the area.

The project is designed to improve transport links across West Devon, providing more sustainable and accessible travel options for residents and visitors.

ABOVE: Komatsu PC80 Digger from H. E. Services on site (Credit: Network Rail)

To support construction work, H. E. Services has supplied a range of machinery from its Exeter depot. 

The company’s fleet includes Komatsu tracked excavators such as the PC80 and PC210, as well as telehandlers, dumpers and rollers used for earthworks and groundwork operations on site.

Kerry-Ann Rossouw, Hire Manager at the H. E. Services Exeter depot, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting such an important infrastructure project for the South West. 

“The Okehampton Interchange will play a huge role in improving local connectivity and providing more sustainable transport options for residents and visitors alike. 

“Our team is proud to provide the reliable, high-quality plant machinery needed to help bring this project to life.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail added:

“The Okehampton Interchange represents the next exciting step in improving connectivity across Devon and beyond.

“The progress so far has been possible thanks to the expertise and dedication of all those involved.”

Work on the new interchange is continuing through the autumn, with the project expected to be completed next year.