Exeter St Davids Lifts to Close for Months as Major Upgrade Begins

Passengers travelling through Exeter St Davids are being advised to prepare for changes at the station as a major lift replacement programme gets underway early next year.

From Monday 5 January, all three passenger lifts at the station will be taken out of service while they are fully replaced. The refurbishment is expected to run through to the spring, during which time there will be no lift access between platforms.

Station staff will be available to assist passengers who are unable to use the stairs, helping them reach platforms via alternative step-free routes. To support customers who need extra help during the works, a temporary assisted travel lounge will operate on Platform 1 for the duration of the project.

Additional members of staff will also be deployed across the station to help passengers carrying bikes, pushchairs or heavy luggage when using stairways. Travellers who usually change trains at Exeter St Davids and cannot manage the stairs are being encouraged to consider using other nearby stations while the work is ongoing.

Alex Bennett, Network Rail project manager, said:

“Upgrading the lifts at the station will give passengers with limited mobility or those with prams, bikes or heavy luggage the confidence that they can conveniently use Exeter St Davids station. We’re sorry for the disruption, but I'd like to assure passengers that step-free access to all platforms will still be available throughout the work and extra staff will be on hand to help.”

Debbie Ferris, GWR Station Manager for Exeter St Davids, said:

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but this investment will ensure the robust and long-term operation of the customer lifts. Those customers unable to use the stairs will be helped by staff to use a safe alternative route between platforms instead. In addition, an assisted travel lounge will be provided to support those who require assistance for the duration of these lift renewal works. Customers who normally change trains at Exeter St Davids are also encouraged to consider using alternative stations if they cannot manage the stairs. Our priority throughout is ensuring every customer can travel safely, comfortably, and with confidence.”

Image: Network Rail