The new rockfall shelter’s design will be open-sided and constructed out of pre-made concrete wall panels. Credit: Network Rail.

The UK’s Network Rail has presented its plans to Teignbridge District Council to install a 209m-long rockfall shelter at Parsons Tunnel North along the railway line between Holcombe and Dawlish.

The extension of the existing rockfall shelter will protect trains against falling rocks along this rail line section.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Network Rail stated that the construction work is expected to begin in August if the proposals are approved, subject to funding confirmation from the government.

The work is expected to be finished in 12 months.

The plans have been submitted for ‘prior approval’ under Network Rail’s permitted development rights, allowing Teignbridge District Council to officially consult the local community on the projected designs.

The preparatory work is scheduled to commence on 22 March.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

This construction work for this rockfall shelter will come under the third phase of Network Rail’s South West Rail Resilience Programme.

The new rockfall shelter’s design will be open-sided and constructed out of pre-made concrete wall panels.

The beams on the room will be shielded by a cushioning material, which will absorb the impact of any rockfalls.

The project will also prioritise environmental protection.

Network Rail South West Rail Resilience Programme senior programme manager Ewen Morrison said: “The coastal location of the railway in South Devon is truly stunning but it also presents its biggest challenge with the sea on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

“The existing rockfall shelter has proven its effectiveness for a century and so this modern extended structure will protect the railway for generations to come alongside a section of cliff that is becoming increasingly hazardous from rock falls.”