During a visit to Devon today, Monday, 3rd July, Transport Secretary Mark Harper is visiting Dawlish to mark the completion of the new sea wall and will officially open a new railway station at Marsh Barton near Exeter.

After severe storms in 2014 damaged the tracks at Dawlish, putting them out of use for eight weeks, and disconnecting the line from the rest of the rail network, the Government made a £82 million investment to rebuild the sea wall.

The work is part of a £165 million South West Resilience Programme and delivers on a Government pledge to create a more resilient railway.

The rebuilt sea wall will protect the railway line from extreme weather conditions and was completed in two phases, with the second stage protecting the Grade II-listed Dawlish station.

The completed works provide a promenade and new public areas, whilst Network Rail is continuing work to construct a new, accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish Station.

Further work is taking place to construct a rockfall shelter at Holcombe, along the coast from Dawlish, to provide cliff protection

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I am delighted to see the completion of two major projects today, delivering a government commitment to improve a vital rail route for passengers in the South West.

“These projects demonstrate a government that is delivering our promises, investing in vital infrastructure and improving transport connections to help grow the economy.”

Michelle Handforth, regional managing director of Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, said: “I’m delighted that we could be joined by the Secretary of State for Transport to mark the official opening of the sea wall in Dawlish.

“Working with world-leading engineers and with funding from the Government, we’ve been able to protect the railway line and town of Dawlish for generations to come.

“I’d particularly like to thank the Dawlish community for their patience and support while the construction took place close to their homes and businesses over two-and-half years.”

At Marsh Barton, the Secretary of State will attend the official opening of the new, fully accessible, station on the Exeter to Plymouth line. Managed by Great Western Railway and expected to open to passengers tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th July, the new station was funded by Devon County Council, with contributions from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Exeter and Teignbridge District Councils, along with over £3m from the Department for Transport.

Great Western Railway Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.

“Marsh Barton is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Portway Park & Ride in Bristol and Reading Green Park, and we are excited for the benefits these stations will bring to the local economy, to residents, businesses and leisure travellers in the areas they serve.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “It is extremely satisfying to see Marsh Barton railway station become a reality. Despite a number of setbacks and challenges over the years we have persevered and remained committed to this project to ensure more people in Devon have access to sustainable transport links, helping to tackle congestion on our roads, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“This is the third station we have helped to deliver in the county over the past eight years, following new stations at Newcourt and Cranbrook, as well as the opening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton.

“Marsh Barton Station is another major improvement to the rail network in Devon and we’re honoured that the Secretary of State can join us to mark this occasion. Thanks go to all of the partners involved for their efforts that have made this scheme possible and we’ve no doubt it will be very well used.”

Commenting on the sea wall, Councillor Davis added: “It is a great day to celebrate the years of effort from the Peninsula transport authorities and partners who made the case to Government for investment in our seawall. Having a more resilient, reliable railway means our communities in Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall remain connected to the rest of the country and visitors coming into the region can continue to make the journey by rail, supporting the local economy and reducing their carbon emissions.”