Network Rail representative to report.
Minutes:
Mr David Lovell (Programme Manager IP Western Enhancements), Network Rail (NR) reported on progress of the £3mstudy commissioned at the end of 2014 which included a detailed engineering study, Drone Surveys, Ground investigations and Roped access surveys.
Three main areas were to be developed:-
-Design of a new seawall at Marine Parade, between Dawlish Station and Kennaway Tunnel
The main issue was caused by significant wave overtopping which currently caused disruption to operations. This particularly affected Cross Country Services. Proposals were for the replacement and raising of the sea wall to prevent overtopping and washout of the rail infrastructure, raising the level of the beach. The existing protection was provided by a sea wall and promenade. The proposed solution was a new vertical wall with recurve, a widened promenade, and an extensive beach nourishment campaign, with a maintenance regime to re-profile the beach (every 5 years). The defence was easily adaptable for future climate change over the long term by addition of a rock revetment;
-Cliff stabilisation and Rockfall Shelters at Tunnel Portals
Cliff Behavioural Unit 17 (CBU 17) was identified as high risk following drone survey. Following analysis of the recent drone survey of the cliffs (which identified 2 scars on the cliff face), the works at CB17 had been prioritised as there was additional evidence of cliff instability. This section of works required the extension of the existing rock fall shelter along a 250 meter section of cliff which was assessed as being at high risk;
-Development of Options between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth
The largest section of work was along this 1.9km section of track which was closely confined at the base of cliffs and elevated up to 90 meters above track level.
The Study identified two solutions for this area:-
-Land reclamation and move the railway away from the hazard;
-Re-grading of the cliffs to a suitable angle.
Both options between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth would be subject to a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO).
An additional £15m had been identified by the Department for Transport to continue with the development of this programme, with resources awaited (eg before implementing the tendering process). Design works were to be done over the next two years with a view of construction commencing April 2019 subject to funding.
Network Rail had a baseline understanding of all coastal processes in the area, including sediment transport and a good understanding of the existing conditions upon which to undertake further studies and test the proposed options to determine their impacts (including advantages/disadvantages) in the future.
Discussion also included:-
-Marine Parade/Kings Walk walkway options to consider built in benches with surrounding heightened protective walls;
-Stability of the Cliff and tunnel portals - desire to resolve more quickly;
-Timescales yet to be determined;
-Next stage designs model for consultation, considerations including breach, washing out of ballast material, wave deflection, walls, spray, sand movement;
-Network Rail active review of estuary to consider coordination with DCC proposals for estuary cycling and walking route;
-Potential wave breaking offshore reef consideration of proposals for longer term (30 – 40 years) and its additional benefits for environment and tourism.
RESOLVED that Network Rail be invited to a future meeting as developments progressed further.