A link bridge connecting the two sections of the new sea wall at Dawlish is nearing completion.

Wires for the sides of the bridge are being installed but bad weather has "slowed down or prevented work" on the granite paving on the promenade below.

Work on the project, which will include a channel for Dawlish Water to flow out to sea, is expected to finish at the end of this month.

Construction began in June but was delayed by around six weeks due to the discovery of an uncharted gas main.

It had been hoped it would be complete in December, but poor weather caused further delays.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We've been adding the wires to the new link bridge that will join the two sections of public promenade at Colonnade.

"Unfortunately, the wet weather has slowed down or prevented work on the granite paving on the promenade and stilling basin areas.

"Thanks to everyone for your continued patience."

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.

A new accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish railway station is due to open in summer 2023 after work began in September.

Netting and fencing work on the cliffs between Dawlish and Holcombe to protect the railway from falling debris will start in spring 2023.

Work on a rockfall shelter north of Parson's Tunnel between Dawlish and Holcombe began in late 2021 and is due to be complete in autumn 2023.