Network Rail has announced that they have stopped work on a new sea wall at Dawlish, in Devon, to reduce the impact on tourism and the community during the summer period.
The upgrade will provide greater protection to the railway and town from rising sea levels.
The work started in June this year but will now take a summer break from 14 July to 9 September.
The construction of a bigger sea wall follows years of detailed studies, designs and joint working between world-leading marine, coastal and railway engineering experts.
Construction has taken place around the tides with work taking place round the clock to deliver the upgrade which is vital, not just for Dawlish but for the whole of the South West peninsula.
Once complete the new sea wall will be 2.5m higher than the existing wall, have a curved edge to send waves back towards the sea and have a wider safer promenade with seating.
What did the officials say?
David Lovell, Network Rail senior programme manager for the Dawlish sea wall project, said:
“Dawlish relies heavily on tourism and we want to minimise any impact we have whilst we deliver the new sea wall which will help protect the town and railway for the next 100 years.
“When we return in September the main construction phase of the new sea wall will take place and we will continue to update the community with how we are progressing.”
Councillor Andrea Davies, chair of the Peninsula Rail Task Force, said:
“I visited the works on the new sea wall this week and was impressed with the progress that has already been made.
“The teams on the ground are hardworking and I am pleased that Network Rail are making an effort to mitigate any concerns or queries from local residents. I am delighted that the beach will be now be usable again for the summer months.”
Anne-Marie Morris, Member of Parliament for Newton Abbot said:
“It is welcome news that Network Rail are pausing work on the new sea wall at Dawlish for the summer period.
“This pause reflects the importance of the peak tourist season to the local economy in Dawlish, and I am pleased that Network Rail are demonstrating their commitment to complete these much-needed works in a way that protects the interests of local people.”
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I understand that they have stopped work on the new Dawlish sea wall. Perhaps they could start work from September before the weather gets cold. Or before Christmas.