ENGINEERS working to protect the Dawlish railway line have reached another major milestone.

Just a few weeks after the sea wall was reopened to the public, Network Rail has announced all the pre-cast units for the rockfall shelter north of Parson’s Tunnel are now in place.

The 109m shelter is made of 185 concrete units which is 38 columns, 76 side panels, 18 cross beams, 34 edge beams and 19 deck panels.

Contractors for Network Rail say all these are now in place. 

The final concrete pour on the roof deck is due to take place next week.

After that work will start infilling between the shelter and the cliff face.

The shelter, along with soil nails and netting on the cliff face, will help protect trains from falling rocks along this section of railway.

The cliffs between Kennaway and Parsons Tunnel, including the northern entrance/exit at Parsons Tunnel, were identified as one of three priority sites requiring works in order to deliver a more resilient railway.

Work started in 2021.