Vital efforts to safeguard a key South West railway line have been abruptly halted, prompting strong criticism from local representatives. Network Rail had completed four phases of resilience work along the vulnerable seaside route, including constructing a new sea wall and upgrading Dawlish station. However, the most crucial phase—reinforcing the cliffs between Dawlish and Teignmouth—has now been put on hold.
The Newton Abbot MP, Martin Wrigley, described the suspension as “devastating,” emphasizing the severe risks posed by unstable cliffs. He warned that a cliff collapse onto the line could have catastrophic consequences, both for safety and the regional economy. Reflecting on the eight-week closure in February 2014 caused by storm damage and cliff failure, Mr. Wrigley underscored that much of that disruption was due to repairing the cliffs alone.
Despite vigorous lobbying by MPs from Devon and Cornwall to ensure the completion of this final protective phase, the government has decided to stall the project. While officials say the scheme will remain under review, Mr. Wrigley expressed deep disappointment, reminding that the economic cost of the last cliff fall reached £1.2 billion. He argued that relying solely on monitoring devices like strain gauges without full cliff reinforcement is insufficient and perilous.
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Meanwhile, the rail network is set to see new developments with two new stations opening at Cullompton and Wellington, expanding connectivity on the Exeter to Taunton line for the first time in a decade. Yet, the ongoing vulnerability of the Dawlish to Teignmouth stretch remains a significant concern, with cliff falls a frequent hazard that threatens the stability and reliability of this vital transport link.