WORK on providing an accessible footbridge at Dawlish railway station is expected to take a major step forward this weekend. 

Contractors working for Network Rail are hoping to work around the clock to make further progress on the new bridge.

From 3.30am on Saturday March 18 to Monday March 20, an excavator will be used to break out the rear wall of the landward platform at the station to make room for the new bridge. 

During this time, no trains will be running but road-rail vehicles will be on track to make deliveries to worksites between Dawlish and Parson’s tunnel. 

A spokesman for the contractors working on the scheme said: ‘Depending on progress, contractors intend to being lifting in pre-cast sections of the new footbridge by crane from the beginning of April. 

‘The crane will be located in the station car park and lifts will take place overnight so they can be safely completed while trains are not running.

‘Work may be noisy but everything will be done to minimise disruption.’ 

First shifts to bring in the sections is due to start from 5pm on Saturday April 1 until 12 noon on Sunday April 2 and from 5pm on Saturday April 8 to 12 noon Sunday April 9