Dawlish colonnade underpass to remain open this week due to gas main discovery

The colonnade underpass that provides access to Dawlish Town Beach is to remain open this week after the unexpected discovery of a gas main earlier this month.

The underpass was closed in the week beginning Monday 13 June for engineering work - but reopened just days later after an uncharted gas main was found.

The closure had been expected to last around three months for foundations for a new connecting bridge for the sea wall and a channel for Dawlish Water to be put in.

Network Rail expects the underpass to stay open this week and this weekend (ie. 2 and 3 July), but 'dates and times may change'.

A spokesperson said: "In the meantime, work continues elsewhere on site with piling to install foundations towards the station building and construction of the ramp to the beach. Thank you for your patience."