Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was in Dawlish today (Friday) to announce £80million of government funding to build a new sea wall to protect the vulnerable railway line.

The wall will be two-and-a-half metres higher than the existing five-metre tall structure to increase protection to the railway from waves during adverse weather.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring and completed by 2021

Said Mr Grayling: ‘We cannot allow the disruption and damage endured by Dawlish and the South West to happen again.

‘This significant investment demonstrates our cast-iron commitment to delivering a resilient and safe railway, giving passengers, businesses and residents confidence in a reliable service.

The project is part of a £2bn government investment to support growth in the South West.

Network Rail is continuing to use a previously-announced £15m fund to design a long-term solution to protecting the coastal area.