UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling today (15 February) announced further funding of up to £80 million in the south-west to deliver a new sea wall at Dawlish, providing better protection for the railway and homes behind it.
Upgrades to the sea wall will increase its height by 2.5 meters and include wave returns to reduce the impact of waves and the likelihood of the line being closed during adverse weather.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “ With up to £80 million of funding available to create a rigorous set of defenses, this new sea wall will help protect this vital route, building on our ambitious plans to grow this region’s economy and prosperity through stronger transport connections .”
Today’s announcement was made as the Transport Secretary visited Dawlish, meeting with Network Rail and local businesses, to discuss how government investment is focused on giving people across the south-west the modern, reliable services they deserve.
Work on the new sea wall will begin in the spring and is expected to be complete by 2021.
The government has already provided £15 million for Network Rail to design a long-lasting solution to this problem, in addition to the £40 million spent by Network Rail to repair the damage caused in the 2014 storm.