Work continues on the A379 Slapton Line after part of it washed into the sea
Further damage follows initial repair efforts after last week’s storms
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
A stretch of the iconic Slapton Line road, which connects Torcross and nearby villages to Dartmouth, has been entirely washed away following further severe weather.
Sections have disappeared entirely, leaving the road impassable, just a week after damage led to its closure.
The vital road acts as a key link between Torcross and other nearby villages, such as Strete and Stoke Fleming, providing access to Dartmouth.
According to residents, the destruction has left the car park that hosts the General Sherman tank exposed to wave damage.
Efforts to repair the initial storm destruction last week seem to have been overtaken by conditions, with workers limited by tide timings as they try to install rock armour to reinforce the eroded stretch. At present, 300 metres of damage has been reported, with some parts of the road dropping around 15 feet down to the shoreline.
Beyond the road, nearby houses and a concrete walkway that runs between properties and the beach are believed to have been further impacted. A local surveyor shared concerns that the walkway has dropped and is shuddering under harsh waves, potentially undermining its support.
Residents have expressed frustration at the level of resources being directed toward the repair effort. Kim Willis, who lives near Torcross, said:
“There were a few highways people there, and some of the Landmarc vehicles, but beyond that, it was residents who are devastated as it’s worse than before.
“At the section nearest the pub and houses, it is just the car park now and the waves are eating into it, so it’s going to take a lot of funding to fix the road.
“I do feel as though if it was London, or almost anywhere else in the country, though, that there would be a massive response, almost to the point where the army would be down there, but we’re left to get on with it.
“It’s a sorry state of affairs.”
Councillor Laurel Lawford, representing Allington and Strete, described the damage as “really, really bad,” highlighting concerns for both the road and properties near the shoreline that continue to bear the brunt of the waves.
“I’ve spoken to someone who has sent their drone over, and they estimate there is approximately 300 metres of damage to the Line,” Councillor Lawford said.
“It’s very bad, and the drop down to the beach from the destroyed road is about 15 feet deep, I would guess. It’s an absolute mess – the car park is damaged, and there is more damage to the properties along the front too.”
As efforts to address the damage continue, residents have noted concerns about the incoming weather, which is expected to worsen with higher tides.
The Government has been approached for a comment.
Named storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra brought heavy rain to many parts of the UK, particularly the South West, causing widespread travel disruption and flooding.