Media centre

Monday 3 Jul 2023

Secretary of State for Transport marks completion of Dawlish sea wall, protecting South West railway for generations to come

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Western

This morning (Monday 3 July), Network Rail, the wider rail industry, the local council and local school pupils joined Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, in Dawlish, Devon, to mark the completion and official opening of the £80m sea wall.

The completion of the sea wall project marks a significant milestone in Network Rail’s efforts to enhance the resilience and reliability of the railway in the south west, which serves as a vital link for communities and businesses in 50 towns and cities with the rest of the UK.

The railway line to the south west was cut off in 2014 following a severe storm, costing the economy millions, and isolating communities. Following the railway repair, Network Rail developed plans to make the railway more resilient, which are being delivered as part of the South West Rail Resilience Programme (SWRRP).

On Monday 3 July, the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP joined Network Rail, the wider rail industry and the local council, in Dawlish, to mark the completion and official opening of the £80m sea wall. Pupils from Westcliff Primary Academy helped unveil the plaque and read a poem about how the sea wall will protect the railway from the impacts of climate change.

The wall, which stands at eight metres high and 775 metres long, will protect the railway from extreme weather for generations to come, acting as a barrier to stop waves flooding the track or causing damage to infrastructure. The structure is designed to reflect waves back into the sea, even in the face of climate change and raising sea levels, which will help prevent the railway from closing during stormy weather as well as protect the town of Dawlish.

During the build more than £15m has been invested in the local economy, using local labour, materials and accommodation.

The completion of this remarkable engineering feat has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of Network Rail, its partners, and the local community.

Michelle Handforth, regional managing director of Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, said: “I’m delighted that we could be joined by the Secretary of State for Transport to mark the official opening of the sea wall in Dawlish.

“The line is a vital transport link for the south west, something that was starkly highlighted when sections of the railway were washed away and flooded during an intense storm in 2014.

“Enhancing the resilience of this coastal stretch of line is vitally important for the region, especially given the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather.

“Working with world-leading engineers and with funding from the Government, we’ve been able to protect the railway line and town of Dawlish for generations to come.

“I’d particularly like to thank the Dawlish community for their patience and support while the construction took place close to their homes and businesses over three-and-half years.”