Work on a new link bridge connecting the two sections of the new sea wall at Dawlish will not be completed this month over delays caused by bad weather, Network Rail has announced.

The project, which will include a channel for Dawlish Water to flow out to sea, began in June but was delayed by around six weeks due to the discovery of an uncharted gas main.

It was then hoped to be complete in December, but a "very wet autumn and now freezing conditions" have caused delays.

According to Network Rail, around six weeks' worth of work remains left to be done.

A spokesperson said: "We've made great progress with the link bridge at Colonnade in Dawlish.

"However, delays caused by the weather mean we won't be able to open it or the area round the stilling basin this month as planned.

"We had to extend our programme following the discovery of an uncharted gas main this summer and working into the colder months has had a knock-on effect.

"The very wet autumn and now freezing conditions have caused delays to laying the granite paving and further concrete pours.

"We've got approximately six weeks of work left to carry out on the surfaces and finishes around the stilling basin area and we will complete it as soon as the weather allows.

"Access to the King's Walk promenade and beach via Colonnade underpass will remain closed for now to keep everyone safe.

"We understand that the delay will be disappointing for everyone and we'd like to thank you for your patience and wish you all a very happy Christmas."

CGI mock-up of the completed link bridge and channel (Network Rail)

What is the progress of other projects at the railway?

Work on the first section of the sea wall at Dawlish from Kennaway Tunnel at Boat Cove along Marine Parade to the Colonnade breakwater (on Dawlish Town Beach) was completed in July 2020.

The second section of the sea wall is from the Colonnade breakwater to the Coastguard breakwater. Work began in November 2020.

Work on the rockfall shelter north of Parson's Tunnel between Dawlish and Holcombe began in late 2021 and is ongoing. Netting and fencing work on the cliffs between Dawlish and Holcombe to protect the railway from falling debris will start in spring 2023.

A new accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish railway station is due to open next summer after work began in September.