Media centre

Wednesday 28 Sep 2005

NETWORK RAIL TACKLES THE TIDES IN £1 MILLION SEA DEFENCE WORK

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail will be swapping the track-side for the sea-side next week when a £1 million project to repair the sea wall between Leigh-On-Sea and Chalkwell stations begins. The work will involve essential maintenance to prevent erosion of the sea defence wall that runs adjacent to the railway. The project has been planned and funded by Network Rail in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, and follows full consultation with the Environment Agency to ensure the works will not damage the local coastal environment. Network Rail Route Director, Jon Wiseman, said: “Network Rail is committed to investing in its assets to ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s railway and this includes protecting the railway from damage caused by the elements. This major investment is essential to shield the railway from coastal erosion and will help ensure the long-term future of this busy line.” Councillor Ian Robertson, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Safer, Cleaner Southend, said: “I am delighted that Network Rail is investing in this busy line which is one of the main routes into London for the residents and visitors to our town. Southend’s natural environment is very beautiful and I’m glad Network Rail is working to continue to protect our coastline as well as balancing the need to protect its infrastructure.” The project has been programmed in two stages with the first phase of work being carried out from Monday 3 October until Monday 31 October, and the second phase is set to begin in early November until mid December. The work will be carried out during periods of low tide, and will include: grouting over the coastline’s existing rock to bind it together; extensive repairs to the sea wall; and some vegetation clearance work. While work is carried out the public right of way along the sea front from Bell Wharf to Chalkwell Station (known as the Cinder Path) will be closed, and diversion routes will be in place for pedestrians. Access to the footpath will resume in the evenings and at periods of high-tide when no works are being carried out.