Dawlish's colonnade underpass has reopened until further notice after the discovery of a gas main halted work at the sea wall.

The underpass, which provides access to the sea wall promenade and beach, had closed last week and was expected to stay shut for around three months.

The closure was supposed to let engineers install 20-metre-long foundations for a new connecting bridge and a channel for Dawlish Water.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "During our work [last] week, we discovered an uncharted, capped gas main.

"This means we can't currently use the piling rig to install foundations in this location, so we are able to keep a pathway open to safely allow the public through.

"In the meantime, we are working with the utility company to find a solution and are continuing our work elsewhere on site."

The railway company has said that it will let the public know when it can close the underpass again to continue installing the foundations.