Dawlish drop-in event planned regarding schedule of work for the new sea wall

Network Rail is inviting residents to a drop-in session in Dawlish to inform the local community about planned work relating to construction of the new sea wall to the west of the railway station, which is due to start at the end of May.

The community drop-in event follows on from Teignbridge District Council’s approval of the works to improve the resilience of the stretch of railway that connects the South West with the rest of the country at their recent planning committee meeting.

The event will be held in Dawlish on Wednesday 22 May – Dawlish Methodist Church Hall, Dawlish, EX7 9PB from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Expert engineers and representatives from Network Rail will be available to explain the works and provide details of the scheduled activity including information about hours of operation, lighting and routes for supplies. Details of a new community information pod close to Colonnade Underpass, which will be manned on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm, will also be unveiled.

Mark Langman, managing director of Network Rail’s western route, said: “We have been carrying out studies with world-leading engineers and are now ready to begin work on the new sea wall west of Dawlish station, which will not only improve the resilience of the main rail artery in and out of Devon and Cornwall, but offer enhanced protection to the town itself.

“Following the commitment of £80m of funding, announced by Secretary of State earlier this year, and the subsequent approval by Teignbridge District Council, we are holding our third community engagement event in Dawlish, which will inform local residents about the proposed works schedule for the new sea wall. We look forward to answering questions and to maintain an ongoing dialogue with residents with an interest in the works.”

Anyone who is unable to attend the drop-in sessions can contact the national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or can follow @SouthWestRRP on Twitter or Facebook.