- government publishes ‘Investing in the South
West’ detailing £2 billion of funding targeted at
supporting growth and prosperity
- Transport Secretary makes up to £80 million available to
build a brand new, more resilient sea wall at Dawlish
Transport Secretary has today (15 February 2019)
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 metres
and include wave returns to reduce the impact of waves and the
likelihood of the line being closed during adverse weather. This
will help ensure the serious damage and disruption seen during
storms in 2014 is not repeated.
The improvements at Dawlish are part of an extensive programme of
investment in the south-west to transform connectivity throughout
the region, outlined in the Investing in the South
West report. This includes schemes totalling more than
£2 billion, improving the strategic road network, high-speed
direct bus connectivity, safe and continuous cycle routes and
easier transfer between transport modes.
Transport Secretary said:
We cannot allow the disruption and damage endured by Dawlish
and the south-west to happen again. This significant investment
demonstrates our cast-iron commitment to delivering a resilient
and safe railway, giving passengers, businesses and residents
confidence in a reliable service.
With up to £80 million of funding available to create a
rigorous set of defences, 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.
Building on detailed geological surveys, Network Rail is
continuing to develop solutions for the cliffs along the coast
immediately north-east of Teignmouth using the £15 million
previously announced. This includes the development of an
application for the necessary planning consent for work to
maintain the cliffs and protect the railway.
