The Dawlish conundrum… and solutions

An interesting set of articles on the Dawlish conundrum ( RAIL 871).

The Okehampton route seems the way to go, giving local access and a good route to/from further west, but there are issues that need highlighting.

Trains would have to reverse at Exeter and Plymouth, or if using a Cowley Bridge avoiding chord will not serve Exeter while still reversing at Plymouth.

The LSWR route will not provide an alternative for Torbay.

It seems as if something like a replacement route for ExeterNewton Abbot is needed. The Teign Valley line therefore seems to need resuscitating in some form to take Torbay trains (even if only a single line), while those for Plymouth and Cornwall go via Okehampton. Otherwise, passengers would have to go by bus from and to Exeter, which rather defeats much of the objective.

Even with the route partially blocked, a Teign Valley line should be achievable in a shorter time-scale. And speed seems to be vital before a problem recurs.

By the way - it sounds as if the heightened sea walls would block the wonderful sea views that have been visible from the train for years. That would be a shame, but sounds necessary! Eric Stuart, Rickmansworth

I enjoyed the Dawlish Special ( RAIL 871). My solution to the problem of maintaining and protecting the sea wall between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth would be to place a series of Mulberry Harbour-style blocks on the seabed, some 200-250 metres out from the low tide level and some 200-250 metres apart.

This would serve as a wave break in the event of heavy seas, and consequently drastically reduce the impact of wave impact. It could also have an additional advantage of creating an inner ‘harbour’ for safer swimming and leisure activities.

John Storer, Nottingham