Transformed Dawlish seafront opens to public

The second and final section of the new Dawlish sea wall, which will help protect the railway from extreme weather and rising sea levels for generations to come, opened to local acclaim on 25 May .

Stretching between Coastguards and Colonnade breakwaters, it is connected to the first section at Marine Parade by Knight Architects' new link bridge, which runs parallel to the railway viaduct and continues the pedestrian promenade over the outlet to Dawlish Water - the main public seaside access.

The elegantly shaped concrete deck mirrors the shape of the adjacent viaduct arches. A variation in deck-cross section is achieved through a twist in the soffit which follows an arched profile giving the deck a lighter appearance in elevation while maintaining the structural depth required.

It was developed as part of the South West Rail Resilience Programme, put in place to improve resilience between Exeter and Newton Abbot, after the major storm of 2014.

Photos by @BeachCamsMan for @Dawlish Beach Information

Related project: Dawlish Promenade Link Bridge