12.09.14
Final leg of Dawlish walkway works to start
Everyone will remember the pictures of the decimated Dawlish line, following the torrential winter storms that hit the UK earlier this year.
And since the reopening of the railway line on 4 April, Network Rail engineers have been working round-the-clock to repair the damage caused to the sea wall and walkways.
The organisation’s ‘orange army’ has now reached an important milestone by starting improvement work on the final section of walkway between Rockstone and Coast Guard footbridges.
Once completed, this will mean that every section of the walkway from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth is once again open to the public.
The work includes building a new wall in front of the existing sea wall to provide further protection against any future extreme weather, and reconstructing the walkway so that its height is level with the sections on either side. This will mean that it can be used in all tidal conditions, whereas historically this section was not accessible during high tides.
However, to undertake this extensive work and ensure the railway can continue to operate as normal, a temporary barge has been set up on the beach, next to the railway line, to act as a base from which the ‘orange army’ can work. Next month, a second barge will be installed so that the work can be completed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that the improvement work on this section of walkway will continue until early next year. During this time, the walkway will remain closed and the high tide diversion route via Exeter Road will remain in place.
Tom Kirkham, project manager at Network Rail, said: “Commencing our construction on this last section of walkway marks a significant step in the progress of our work to repair the damage caused by the storms and make the area more resilient for the future.
“I would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support, and reassure them that our staff are working round-the-clock to complete this essential work as quickly and safely as possible.”
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