Devon Railway Plan Includes Land Reclamation

Proposals for a series of potential changes to a section of railway line in south Devon, bordered by steep cliffs on one side and the sea on the other, were officially published yesterday. 

According to a Network Rail’s announcement, views are being sought from residents, communities, businesses and rail users as part of a public consultation which runs for five weeks, until 15 July 2019.

The design would require some land reclamation to allow a buttress (a sloping rock structure to stabilize the cliffs and protect the railway) to be built, Network Rail stated.

To protect the realigned railway from the sea, a rock revetment or enhanced sea wall will also be required to absorb the energy of the waves and allow for the railway to be relocated away from the cliffs.

Following the consultation, all responses will be analysed, and Network Rail will incorporate the feedback into updated plans which will be publicized through a second round of consultation this autumn.