Exeter St Davids station lifts renewal

What's happening?

The customer lifts at Exeter St Davids station will be out of use in early 2026 to enable the lifting mechanism to be replaced.

This important investment will ensure the robust and long-term operation of the lifts to support our customers using the station.

Work is due to start from Monday 5 January on all three lifts and is expected to take up to three months to complete.

Customers unable to use the stairs to transfer between platforms will be transferred by rail staff using an alternative route.

Those who normally change trains at Exeter St Davids are also encouraged to consider using alternative stations instead.

We would like to apologies for any inconvenience caused by this work which has been timed to take place during a quieter part of the year.

The lifts will be switched off for the start of work on Monday 5 January 2026. While there is no date for the lifts to be switched back on, the aim is to do so by Easter.
Assistance will be available at the station for customers who need it. Booking in advance is always advised, but not essential. Plus, if you can change trains at another station instead, such as Newton Abbot, Taunton or Tiverton Parkway, that is advisable.
Doing one lift at a time would have extended the programme of works at the station to around a year instead of three months and access between platforms would have been restricted for much longer.
Yes, customers will not be able to cross the track without rail staff assistance.
Yes, it is advised to allow extra time if you need assistance as track crossing times will vary.
No, you can turn up and get assistance on the day, but booking in advance is highly recommended.

For information about planned engineering work impacting train services visit GWR.com/Upgrade.