THE £42million project to build a shelter to protect the main rail line between Dawlish and Teignmouth has won another award.

The Parsons Tunnel Rockfall Shelter scheme won the title of best new build project over £10million at the Institution of Civil Engineering South West awards 2024.

The project involved construction of a 110m-long protective structure next to Parsons Tunnel at Holcombe to prevent boulders and cliff debris falling onto the railway.

The shelter has been built to withstand the impact of a five tonne boulder falling from the cliff face above

Arup and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure delivered the project for Network Rail using innovative techniques to overcome the challenges of working on a constrained site next to the sea, sheer cliffs and a live railway.

The award judges were impressed with the cutting-edge aspects of the scheme, including the first ever use of a travelling rail-mounted gantry crane to build over a live railway.

They felt the project was a fitting addition to Brunel’s legacy as preparations are underway to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway in 2025.

Staged annually by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West, the awards recognise the achievements of civil engineers and highlight the contribution infrastructure projects make to the region.

Miranda Housden, regional director, ICE South West said: ‘Celebrating these achievements not only highlights their contributions to our communities but also underscores the vital role civil engineers play in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for the region.’