Illustrated plans for the final phase of work on Dawlish sea wall have been released.
Network Rail is undertaking the £80 million project to protect the railway, passengers and pedestrians whilst improving the long-term resilience of the line which links Devon and Cornwall to the rest of the UK.
The plans for the latest section of the new sea wall, which runs for 415 metres between Coastguards and Colonnade breakwaters, include a new, taller sea wall, incorporating a high-level wider and safer public promenade, pedestrian access to the beach and footbridge to link the two parts of the sea wall and an accessible station footbridge with lifts.
The 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 that 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. The wider, 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.
There will be 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.
As part of Network Rail’s commitment to spending money locally, the scheme will also deliver a further boost to the south Devon economy after £5 million was spent on local labour, materials and accommodation during the first section of the new sea wall.
Network Rail’s plans have been developed with world leading engineering experts Arup. Scale models of potential options have then been subjected to laboratory testing, with wave conditions simulated in a state-of-the-art facility at HR Wallingford, a globally recognised leader in testing solutions wherever water interacts with people, infrastructure and the environment. This 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.
In June 2020, the plans for the second section of the new sea wall will be submitted to Teignbridge District Council, the local planning authority, which will then formally consult the local community on the proposed designs. Listed Building Consent is also being sought from the council, as the work is physically attached to the Grade II listed station.
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 £80 million 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 £5 million 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.”
I think the plans for the re-development of Dawlish Station and the sea wall are in keeping with the requirements for the longer term and overcome many of the current limitations that surround Dawlish Station and its day to day operation. It also brings this station up to date something badly needed. The look backwards brigade will oppose it and in my opinion they are totally wrong and for all the wrong reasons