First section of new seawall at Dawlish is officially opened
The ÂŁ80m scheme is designed to create a more resilient railway
A vital stretch of the main railway line into Cornwall is now better protected from rising sea levels and extreme weather.
The first section of a new seawall at Dawlish has been officially opened by the Rail Minister.
Officials say the completion of the first phase of the scheme ensures an integral rail link for passengers and business across the South West is protected for “generations to come”.
The scheme will cost ÂŁ80m in total and is designed to create a more resilient railway at an exposed location, which was severely damaged in storms in 2014.
The new £25m structure on the seafront – which runs from Colonnade underpass, west of Dawlish station, to Boat Cove – will protect 360 metres of railway and homes behind it.
Constructed after detailed consultation with the local community, the design is focused on preserving the panoramic views and access to the coast for residents and tourists, as well as ensuring passengers and businesses can rely on a secure, reliable service.
The Rail Minister also visited a train maintenance depot at Exeter, which has been expanded in partnership with Network Rail and train operator GWR to accommodate an increase in its fleet size in the Devon and Cornwall area.
The ÂŁ53 million upgrade helps deliver more seats on more frequent services for passengers, improving service reliability and capacity for passengers across the region.
"Our investment in this new seawall will provide a resilient railway for generations to come, delivering for the thousands of passengers that rely upon this vital link every day, and the residents whose homes and businesses must be protected.
"This rigorous set of defences forms part of our ambitious plans to deliver reliable, punctual journeys across Devon and Cornwall, improving connections between communities to help the South West build back better, boosting the local economy and tourism."
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris
Network Rail’s plans for the second phase of the seawall, which extend it for a further 415 metres eastwards from Colonnades to Coastguards breakwater and include accessibility improvements to Dawlish station, have now been approved and work is expected to start next month, taking around two years to complete.