On 16 April, Teignbridge District Council approved Network Rail’s decided to deliver a new sea wall at Dawlish that will provide increased protection from extreme weather and rising sea levels for generations to come.
Construction work on the new sea wall will now begin at the end of May and once complete it will provide the railway and town with increased protection for the next 100 years.

Network Rail’s managing director for the Western Route, Mark Langman, said: “We know the local community in Dawlish feel strongly about the future of the sea wall and the resilience of the railway in their town. We’d like to thank them for their input and engagement with us so far.

"Whilst developing our plans we have listened to the views put forward by the community. Our plan for the new sea wall will minimise its impact on Dawlish sea front whilst providing the appropriate level of protection from extreme weather for the railway and the town.

"We are pleased that Teignbridge District Council have approved the new sea wall and thank them for their thorough reviews of our plans throughout the process to date.

“The new sea wall will protect this vital rail artery to the south west for the next 100 years. World leading engineers have designed these plans, having considered hundreds of other options, and it will ensure the railway line is more resilient to extreme weather and rising sea levels for generations to come.
“We now looking forward to commencing work on site at the end of May. However, work will stop during the peak summer season, so it does not affect the main tourism season. We will also continue to update and engage with the local community as we continue with this vital work.”

For more information about Network Rail’s plans to increase the resilience of the railway in the south west, please visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds/find-out-more-about-plans-to-protect-vital-railway-artery-to-the-south-west/

(Source: Network Rail)