The new accessible footbridge was opened at Dawlish station yesterday, Friday 15 March, giving the station step free access for the first time in its 178 year history.

Those in attendance at the ceremony included Anne Marie Morris MP for Newton Abbot, who cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the bridge.

Also in attendance were stakeholders along with members from GWR, CrossCountry Trains, Dawlish Town Council, Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council and the Friends of Dawlish station.

Members of Network Rail were also in attendance, along with representatives from contractors BAM Nuttall who constructed the bridge.

As part of the Dawlish sea wall project, aimed at protecting the station and the line from the elements of the sea, the new bridge offers not only step free access but also more protection than the original bridge at the west end of the station, which has been retained as an original feature of the station and is also a local landmark.

The new lift towers sit on eight piled foundations that are 16 metres deep, and consist of 42 pre-cast concrete units, giving a combined weight of 550 tonnes.

The 71 tonne deck that sits between the towers over the line was lifted into place by a 750-tonne crane, while further protection for passengers is added by a one metre thick shield wall on the side of the bridge that’s facing the sea.

The platform on the sea facing side has been designed to improve the stepping distance between the platform and the trains, while at the same time offering safety and protection from the sea. The event also gave those in attendance the chance to view the progress being made on the waiting room on the down platform, which is currently being done by Network Rail contractor Sis, and is due to open in time for the Easter Holidays in the coming weeks.

Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, said: “Making Dawlish station fully accessible is just as important as ensuring that the railway line is weather resilient. The new footbridge and lifts are incredibly important developments to ensure as many people can come and visit our amazing coastal line – perfectly timed for Easter!  Today is about giving back to the community in Dawlish who have been brilliantly patient, as Network Rail have sought to make the track and station resilient for the future.”

Network Rail’s industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said: “It was fantastic to be joined by our partners, stakeholders and members of the community today to celebrate the improved accessibility and facilities at Dawlish station. The new footbridge benefits all passengers, especially those with limited mobility, carrying heavy luggage or with pushchairs. Together with the plans to reopen the waiting room, it is a real boost for the station ahead of the Easter holidays when Dawlish will see an influx of visitors by rail.

Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, added: “Today marks another step in the journey to not just make the railway resilient but to improve facilities. To have an accessible station was an aim before the terrible storms ten years ago. Today, we now have a station which means more can take the train, which opens many opportunities for education, training and employment as well as leisure.

GWR station manager for Dawlish, Stephanie Chapman, highlighted: “We’re delighted to celebrate the new lifts coming into operation at Dawlish station allowing customers to benefit from a fully-accessible station for the first time.”

Dawlish resident Diana Frost, who campaigned for the footbridge, said: “The addition of the footbridge with lifts is pivotal for passengers who, like me, have mobility issues. We now have access to both platforms, with no need to use the barrow crossing, making rail travel much easier for locals and visitors alike.”