A new link bridge connecting the two sections of the new sea wall at Dawlish is "taking shape", according to Network Rail.

Work on the bridge, which will include a channel for Dawlish Water to flow out to sea, is expected to be complete this month.

The Colonnade underpass will also see new lighting. Meanwhile, work on a new accessible footbridge at Dawlish railway station is underway.

The bridge is expected to be complete this month (Network Rail)

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The link bridge at Colonnade in Dawlish is really taking shape now as the scaffolding starts to come down and steel sides go in.

"The bridge will link the two phases of £80m sea wall, with its wider, accessible public promenade.

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

"This week, we've also started to install the new lighting for Colonnade underpass.

"Next week, we will be piling in Dawlish station car park for the foundations for the new accessible footbridge with lifts."

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.