The building of a bridge connecting the two sections of the new sea wall and for a channel for Dawlish Water to flow out to sea is expected to be complete in December, according to Network Rail.

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

While construction is underway the underpass will be closed but will open "intermittently".

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

Other developments at the sea wall include the installation of all 164 wall panels, 203 pre-cast blocks and 189 recurve units on the second section.

The second section of the new sea wall (Dawlish Beach Cams)

Network Rail Senior Programme Manager Ewen Morrison said: "We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding while we complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.

"As we near completion of the sea wall, it's exciting to know the positive impact this project will have in Dawlish, which will provide greater protection to the railway from rising sea levels and extreme weather for generations to come."

Construction of the first section of the sea wall, from Boat Cove to the breakwater at Dawlish Town Beach, began in May 2019 and was completed in July 2020.

Work on the second section, from the breakwater on Dawlish Town Beach to the Coastguard breakwater, began in November 2020.