Dawlish Coastal Rail Protection Project Concludes at £40 Million Cost

An initiative to safeguard a coastal railway route in Devon, incurring an approximate cost of £40 million, has been brought to completion. The construction efforts, spanning the stretch between Dawlish and Holcombe, commenced in July 2023. During this period, Network Rail implemented protective installations designed to intercept any dislodged material. The total expenditure for this undertaking amounted to £37 million, with financial backing provided by the Department for Transport. Rail Minister Lord Hendy commented: “Everyone should have peace of mind knowing they can travel no matter the weather, and this important project helps provide that by giving long-term resilience for this vital stretch of railway.” He further stated: “Ten years since the Dawlish storm severed the South West from the rest of the network, significant government investment has ensured the line is now better safeguarded against extreme conditions, boosting the region’s connectivity and economy for years to come.” A total of 19,700 square metres of stainless steel netting was affixed to the cliff faces situated above the railway in areas identified as high-risk. Among the challenges encountered was the necessity for heightened caution concerning certain cliffs positioned within the Dawlish Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest. Moreover, in the spring of 2024, an employee discovered a tawny owl nesting in a recess in the cliff face, guarding two eggs. Operations in the immediate vicinity of the nest were halted to safeguard the avian inhabitant, and a camera was installed to observe the eggs. Subsequently, two owlets were observed alongside their mother, and construction resumed after the young owls had successfully departed the nest. For updates, follow BBC Devon across X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story proposals can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note that the BBC bears no responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.