In a visit to Devon today (3 July 2023), Transport Secretary Mark Harper will attend Dawlish station to open a brand-new railway station at Marsh Barton, and mark the completion of the £82 million sea wall, built to protect coastal rail route.
The new, rebuilt sea wall will protect the safety of local passengers from extreme weather conditions along the coast. It has been completed in two phases, with the latter stage protecting the grade 2 listed Dawlish train station.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I am delighted to see the completion of two major projects today, delivering a government commitment to improve a vital rail route for passengers in the South West.
“These projects demonstrate a government that is delivering our promises, investing in vital infrastructure and improving transport connections to help grow the economy.”
The work in Dawlish forms part of the £165 million South West Resilience Programme and delivers a more resilient railway after devastating storms in 2014 damaged the tracks beyond use for eight weeks and disconnected passengers from the network.
The completion of the works marks a major milestone for the programme and will offer a promenade and new public areas for the local community. Ongoing work by Network Rail also continues to develop a new, accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish Station.
Further cliff protection work, to deliver two additional phases of the programme, continues at pace including a rockfall shelter at Holcombe, along the coast from Dawlish.
Michelle Handforth, regional managing director of Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, said: “I’m delighted to be joined by the Secretary of State for Transport to mark the official opening of the sea wall in Dawlish.
“Working with world-leading engineers and with funding from the government, we’ve been able to protect the railway line and town of Dawlish for generations to come.
“I’d particularly like to thank the Dawlish community for their patience and support while the construction took place close to their homes and businesses over 2-and-half years.”
In Marsh Barton, the Secretary of State will also attend the official opening of a new, fully accessible, station which will be managed by Great Western Railway and serve the popular Exeter to Plymouth rail line. It is expected to open to passengers on 4 July 2023.
Mark Hopwood, managing director at Great Western Railway said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.”
Image credit: Network Rail
