A "major milestone" has been reached in the construction of a new rockfall shelter extension on the railway line between Dawlish and Holcombe, according to Network Rail.

All 185 of the required pre-cast concrete units have been craned into place, and a final concrete-pour on the roof deck is set to take place before "infilling" work between the shelter and cliffs.

The £37.4m project, which began in late 2021, is expected to be complete later this year.

Close-up of the rockfall shelter extension progress (Network Rail)

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We've reached a major milestone in the construction of the 109m-long rockfall shelter to help protect the railway north of Parson's Tunnel, near Holcombe.

"All 185 pre-cast concrete units – that's 38 columns, 76 side panels, 18 cross beams, 34 edge beams and 19 deck panels – are now in place.

"Our final concrete-pour on the roof deck is due to take place; after that we'll start infilling between the shelter and the cliff face."

What is the progress of other projects at the railway?

Dawlish's new £80m sea wall is now complete and open to the public.

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

Netting and fencing work on the cliffs between Dawlish and Holcombe to protect the railway from falling debris is due to start.

SEE ALSO: Dawlish's MP attempts to secure at-risk rail protection funding