New plan for Dawlish line is unveiled
PLANS for the second phase of an £80m scheme to protect the railway line at Dawlish from rising sea levels and flooding have been unveiled.
Work is nearing completion on the first section of the new sea wall at Marine Parade, but Network Rail has now confirmed plans for the second phase of the £80m project to protect the railway, passengers and pedestrians.
The plans for the 415m section between Coastguards and Colonnade breakwaters includes a new taller sea wall incorporating a high-level wider and safer public promenade and pedestrian access to the beach.
A footbridge to link the two parts of the sea wall and a new accessible footbridge with lifts for the railway station are also included in the scheme.
Reconstruction of the timber seaward platform at Dawlish station will also improve accessibility, making it easier for passengers to get on and off trains at the Grade II listed station, which is used by more than half a million people each year.
The new structure will provide greater protection from rising sea levels and extreme weather for generations to come, and help improve the long-term resilience of the line which links Devon and Cornwall to the rest of the UK.
Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “The Department for Transport and Network Rail have been working tirelessly to determine what needs to be done in order to protect this vital transport artery for Devon and Cornwall, in a way that works for Dawlish. Completing the Government’s £80m investment will protect the railway and improve facilities for the residents of Dawlish and visitors to the town for generations to come.
“We’ve already made great progress on the first section the Dawlish sea wall at Marine Parade and would like to thank the local community and passengers for their patience as the work continues.
“With almost £5m already being spent locally during our works at Marine Parade, we are committed to continuing to spend as much as we can with local suppliers, accommodation providers and other community businesses as we deliver the remainder of this vital project.”
The wider and safer promenade will retain the views of the renowned coast and allow walkers, families and people with disabilities to safely enjoy the coastal path between the railway and the sea.
The scheme also will see raised areas with seating on the promenade, which will be enhanced by the removal of pigeon roosts - leading to a cleaner walkway and improved water quality.
Network Rail’s plans have been developed with world leading engineering experts, Arup, with rigorous testing was undertaken to ensure the best solution is being proposed, that will help protect the railway and town from extreme weather and rising sea levels.
A formal planning application and Listed Building Consent will be submitted to Teignbridge District Council in June for the scheme.
To help explain the plans Network Rail has sent letters and a factsheet to more than 1,900 Dawlish residents, while a public teleconference will also take place to answer questions from the public and further explain the plans. This will replace a community drop-in event, which is not possible due to the coronavirus crisis.