Planning permission has been granted for a £37.4 million concrete shelter to protect a scenic but vulnerable railway line in Devon from rockfalls.
Planning permission has been granted for a £37.4 million concrete shelter to protect a scenic but vulnerable railway line in Devon from rockfalls.
Network Rail has received the green light from Teignmouth Council to protect a stretch of line near Dawlish from the dangers of falling rocks, as part of a major project to prevent disruption to services.
The line was famously closed for eight weeks in 2014 after storm surges caused severe waves to wash up over the line, eroding the ground beneath it and leaving commuters unable to make journeys by rail between Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth.
Using ultra high performance concrete, the 209-metre shelter will act as an extension to the existing Parson’s Tunnel, which is 100 years old. But instead of being a brick tunnel, it will consist of reinforced concrete extensions that each measure 6.2 metres in length, leaving the seaward side open to provide a scenic view for passengers.
In addition, softer material will be placed on top of the platform to cushion the impact of any falling rocks and to encourage the growth of vegetation.
This is the latest element of the South West Rail Resilience Programme, which is focused on providing a range of enhanced protections for the line between Dawlish and Teignmouth. Built by Brunel in 1846, the only place the line was able to feasibly go was by the sea, meaning there has always been potential danger from the sea and looming cliffs.
Other work has included work to build up the breakwaters at Dawlish in 2018 and a 2019 project to repair and upgrade the Dawlish sea wall.
Discussing the latest project, Network Rail’s Western route interim director Chris Pearce said the cliff above the stretch beyond Parson’s Tunnel is “becoming increasingly hazardous from rock falls.”
Key benefits of the project will be the low maintenance and long-term resilience the protective platform will provide for the line over many decades.