The main line between Exeter and Plymouth has been closed during February at weekends to allow Network Rail to improve the track and refurbish the platforms at Dawlish.
The work comes eight years after the 2014 storm which severely damaged the railway. Since the start of construction on the first section of new, bigger sea wall in May 2019, the Dawlish coastline has undergone a mighty transformation.
Dawlish Station improvements from the air (Network Rail picture)
The overall £80m Department for Transport-funded project which will also see an accessible station footbridge with lifts completed in 2023 and a higher sea wall. Currently a 415m stretch between the Coastguards and Colonnade breakwaters is being constructed to protect the railway and town from rising sea levels and extreme weather for the next 100 years according to Network Rail. A wider, taller, public walkway is being incorporated into the wall with views onto the beach.
Picture of recent refurbishment taken from the newly reopened Coastguard footbridge. (c) Mike Reddaway
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