Network Rail unveils Teignmouth sea wall deviation plans

Plans for a 1.1-mile redesign of the sea wall between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth that would involve the line being moved towards the sea were unveiled on June 10.

The proposals are designed to protect the railway from the cliffs, with a five-week consultation launched. Network Rail said the plans require some land reclamation to allow a buttress to be built. An enhanced sea wall is also needed to absorb wave energy and allow the railway to be moved away from the cliffs.

The design includes enhanced leisure access, cycling and walking routes and a new amenity area.

“These proposals will protect the railway for generations to come, but we listened to public feedback to the original concepts in 2016 and have worked hard to minimise the impact on Holcombe beach and incorporate new and improved amenities such as cycling and footpaths,” said Mark Langman, NR Western Route Managing Director.

Once the consultation is complete and analysed, NR will use the feedback for updated plans that will be publicised through a second round of consultation this autumn.

• For the FULL story on the redevelopment of the wall, read RAIL 881, published on June 19, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from June 15.