Agenda item

Network Rail to give a verbal update on current projects and future consultation events.

Mr David Lovell and Ms Julie Gregory, Network Rail Western & Wales gave an update on developments since February 2019:- 

(a) Dawlish Sea Wall - Phase 1

Work on the new Dawlish sea wall had begun in June 2019 and was on schedule to be finished in Spring 2020, despite adverse weather conditions and voids found beneath the existing sea wall causing some delay. Various schools had visited the site as part of students’ studies and coursework.

(b) Dawlish Sea Wall - Phase 2a and 2b Colonnade to Coastguard Frontage

Following review, Phase 2 had been split into two projects (2a and 2b), i.e.

a sea wall similar to Phase 1 with provision for an accessible bridge and a review of off shore structures which could require an environmental assessment:-

(i) Phase 2a

This covered a longer stretch of railway to provide most of the resilience.

Two options were to be developed to an outline design, with 2D modelling completion in December 2019 and outline designs completion in February 2020.

Submission of Listed Building Consent once design is complete February 2020.

This design also looked at how the station could be made more accessible.

The aim was to start construction on site in 2020 (and works completing in 2021), subject to relevant approvals.

(ii) Phase 2b

This project was more complex and could include off shore structures and would need to ensure that any works were appropriate with this Grade 2 Listed station building.

Four options were being progressed through to a single option selection, with a separate design team being utilised.  Once the single option was selected an environmental assessment may be required which would then result in additional surveys.

These works would then be planned for the following year.

(c) Geotechnical Projects to Protect Cliff Vulnerability - Phase 3

(i) Parsons Tunnel to Teignmouth

Updates to the design were progressing following the 1^st stage public consultation held inJune/July 2019. Whilst there was strong support for improving the resilience of the railway at the first consultation, views were finely balanced with the main public concern being the potential loss of beaches.  Every effort was being made to find a solution to minimise this loss without significantly compromising the project’s resilience.

Preparations for the 2^nd stage of consultation were being finalised, with dates to be advised.

(ii) Central tunnels

This was at the least advanced stage of proposal development, with design completion due in December 2020.

Other sections included:- Parsons Tunnel North; and Holcombe to Teignmouth where it was important to find the right solution for vulnerable cliffs.

Members’ discussion included:-

-Members’ support for the start of construction and their hope that all phases would be progressed as early as possible, due to the strategic and economic role of the railway line in linking the South West with the rest of the country;

-that whilst recognising public concern at the potential loss of beach amenity expressed during the first stage consultation, this also needed to balance all tourism/environmental factors within the local area and the wider importance of the line; 

-the proposals being developed to enhance other amenities within the scheme and potential benefits to help mitigate against any tourism/environmental effects from the potential loss of beach;

-noting that Network Rail would pick up on the public’s concerns as previously expressed  during the 2^nd stage consultation, together with engagement of schools on the geotechnical position and other factors; and

-that design and modelling had been based on 100 years, including the longer term predictions for climate change.

Members welcomed the update and would welcome hearing further at a future meeting, as proposals developed.