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Friday 12 Jun 2020

Temporary footbridge closure planned as work continues to Dawlish sea wall

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is temporarily closing the footbridge over the railway line in Dawlish, Devon to continue its work to protect the vital railway which connects the south west with the rest of the country.  

The footbridge which connects Marine Parade to Coryton Cove, will be closed from this Monday (15 June) until Friday 17 July to allow workers to safely construct the enhanced sea wall at the Boat Cove end of the site.

An alternative route to Coryton Cove and Boat Cove can be found by following the footpath over Lea Mount.

Philip Morton, project manager for the Dawlish sea wall construction project said:

“To safely carry out the next stage of the new sea wall we unfortunately have to temporarily close the footbridge.

“We are sorry to anyone that uses the footbridge to access Boat Cove, we understand that having to take a longer route is inconvenient and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.

“This closure is temporary and will allow us to complete our work to improve the footpath and, of course the iconic coastal railway line that runs beside it.”

Work to construct the new, improved wall is progressing well, with all 145 front panels now installed along with over half of the recurve units - the panels that sit on top to deflect the power of the waves back out to sea. Work has already started on the promenade, which will make it wider and safer for pedestrians.

The construction team is working around the clock to reopen the promenade and beach to the public next month.