Key data gathered in Devon Sea Wall studies

Detailed studies regarding the future of the Devon Sea Wall route between Dawlish and Teignmouth are nearing completion.

The next stage of the project is the design of possible solutions. Community engagement will start in the autumn.

Following storm damage in March, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said that ensuring the continued operation of the line was his “number one priority”.

RAIL exclusively reported in May that Network Rail was considering extending the wall and building shelters along parts of the route ( RAIL 852).

Government has funded the studies, with three key areas being examined.

These are: between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth, where there was a landslip in 2014; at Dawlish, where the sea wall collapsed in February 2014; and the cliffs between Kennaway and Parsons Tunnels (these are unstable, according to NR).

Once the studies are complete, NR will analyse the results. Decisions will be formally submitted to Government following the community engagement events.

Rail Minister Jo Johnson said: “It is vital we find a permanent solution to the problems at Dawlish, because it is a crucial link for the people and the economy of the South West.”

Mike Gallop, Director of Route Asset Management for Network Rail, said: “Some of the world’s best engineers are out on site, as we gather as much information on the three key sites we have identified to help us start to work up possible solutions for us to present to the local community, local councils and government.”