Updated plans by Network Rail for South-West rail line

Saturday, February 1, 2020

In order to protect a part of the south-west rail line which is bordered by the steep cliffs and the sea in the south of Devon,  Network Rail has revealed an updated plan.

The 1.8 km stretch of railway between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth there are plans to include measures to safeguard  it.

In order to gather views from residents, communities, businesses and rail users from March 1, Network Rail will launch a six-week public consultation.

Cornwall and Devon will be connected to other parts of UK and Network Rail intends to move the rail further away from the cliffs. The majority of the beaches is expected to be retained.

From the most dangerous areas of the plan outlines work to move the railway away.

At the Parsons Tunnel at Teignmouth end the Network rail plans to retain the existing railway alignment.

There will be construction of a 1 m wider coastal footpath with edge protection and the Network rails expects this to be safer than the existing South West Coast Path.

Between Holcombe and Sprey point it will build a landward footpath which will allow passengers to cross the railway using a new footbridge.

In 2014 after a landslide Network Rail closed the section of the railway for six weeks.

Network Rail Western Route director Mike Gallop mentioned that they have listened to feedback from the first round of consultation and  updated plans will ensure a resilient railway line for the whole south-west while maintaining most of the beach and adding improved walking and leisure facilities.

In the West Coast Mainline the company plans to undertake maintenance and renewal work on the West Coast Mainline. Over ten weekends from April to Jun the work will take place.

There will be a refurbishment of a 17 km rail line at 20 locations on the line from Carstairs to the border.

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