Anne Marie Morris, the Member of Parliament for Newton Abbot, joined forces with Network Rail, stakeholders, train operators and members of the community today to officially open the new footbridge with lifts at Dawlish station.
The bridge was completed in late 2023 as part of the Dawlish sea wall project, making the station fully-accessible for the first time in its 178-year history.
MP for Newton Abbot Anne Marie Morris cut a ribbon to mark the occasion, which was attended by representatives of GWR, CrossCountry Trains, Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council, Dawlish Town Council and the Friends of Dawlish station. Also present were members of the Network Rail team behind the project, alongside representatives of contractor Bam Nuttall, who built the bridge. Made up of 42 pre-cast concrete units, the structure is protected from the elements on the seaward side by a 1m-thick shield wall.
To make the station even more accessible, the stepping distance between the platforms and trains has been improved.
Commenting, Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, said: "Making Dawlish station fully accessible is just as important as ensuring that railway line is weather resilient. The new footbridge and lifts are incredibly important developments to ensure as many people can come and visit our amazing coastal line – perfectly timed for Easter!
Today is about giving back to the community in Dawlish who have been brilliantly patient, as Network Rail have sought to make the track and station resilient for the future."