Work to install netting and fencing to protect the railway between Dawlish and Holcombe from falling debris will start next year, Network Rail has announced.

The project, which will cost £32m, is expected to start in spring 2023 and last around one year. The railway will remain fully open while the work is carried out.

Construction company BAM Nuttall, which is currently building the new sea wall at Dawlish, has been awarded the contract for the design.

Site surveys are underway and sections of the footpath at Lea Mount will be closed from Monday 7 November to Saturday 12 November to allow for ground investigations.

Footpath closures at Lea Mount, Dawlish (Network Rail)

BAM Nuttall Managing Director, Transport Huw Jones said: "Since the infamous storms washed away the railway in Dawlish in February 2014, BAM is proud to have played a vital part in the restoration and safeguarding of the vital south-western route on behalf of Network Rail and the SWRRP.

"BAM's team in Dawlish has demonstrated incredible skill, creativity and determination to deliver a sea wall which will protect the railway and Dawlish centre for many decades to come and I'm delighted that this appointment will enable them to continue delivering further protections for the Devonshire railway."

What is the progress of other projects at the railway?

Work on the first section of the sea wall 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 and is expected to be complete in December.

Work on the rockfall shelter north of Parson's Tunnel between Dawlish and Holcombe began in late 2021 and is ongoing.

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