Network Rail holding drop in event in Exeter today

It's to update on how to make the rail line more resilient

Network Rail is holding community drop-in sessions in Exeter and Torquay this week to update local people on how they plan to improve the resilience of the stretch of railway that connects the South West with the rest of the country.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s recently announced that £80m will be made available to increase the height of the sea wall at Dawlish.

Events will be held in Exeter and Torquay on:

• Wednesday 27 February – Mercure Rougemont Hotel, Exeter, EX4 3SP from 15:00-18:00
• Thursday 28 February – The Grand Hotel, Torquay, TQ2 6NT from 15:00-18:00

These will be followed by further community engagement events in Plymouth, Truro and Penzance in the spring.

At the drop-in events representatives from Network Rail will provide an update on the ongoing work to repair breakwaters at Dawlish, as well as details of the recently submitted plans for an improved sea wall at Dawlish. 

Mark Langman, managing director of Network Rail’s western route, commented: “Funded by £15m of government money, Network Rail has been working with world-leading engineers to identify and deliver the best options to improve the resilience of the main rail artery in and out of South Devon and Cornwall.  There has been a great deal of progress including government funding for a new sea wall in Dawlish which was confirmed last week. We would like to take the opportunity to update communities and stakeholders on our progress.”

Anyone who is unable to attend the drop-in sessions can contact the national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or can follow @SouthWestRRP on Twitter or Facebook.