Significant work is required to protect the main railway line at Powderham, according to the Environment Agency.
Concerns have been raised about water eroding the ground beneath the tracks that run along the Exe estuary, posing a potential threat to the railway infrastructure. The Environment Agency is now collaborating with Network Rail to plan a complete replacement of the banks along the stretch of track between Exeter and Dawlish.
A climate change expert has warned that coastal rail infrastructure will face increasing challenges in the coming years. In September 2023, urgent repairs were already carried out on the embankment at Powderham after a hole appeared.
An Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed their ongoing partnership with Network Rail to enhance the line’s resilience. "We are in the early stages of planning a full replacement of the banks to ensure the railway line, as well as properties in Exminster and the Exminster Marshes reserve, are protected," the spokesperson said.
Both the Environment Agency and Network Rail are closely monitoring the embankment throughout the winter to address any immediate concerns. The agency had previously highlighted the vulnerability of the aging embankment, which has been further compromised by burrowing animals and water infiltration.
Professor Richard Betts, a climate impact specialist at the University of Exeter, noted the growing risk to infrastructure near the coast, with rising sea levels and global temperatures increasing the likelihood of erosion, especially after severe storms.
Andrea Davis, chair of Peninsula Transport and deputy leader of Devon County Council, emphasised the importance of addressing these concerns. "With predicted sea level rises, we know there’s an issue. A task force from Network Rail, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, is actively assessing the areas of the rail network most susceptible to future flooding," she said.
This section of the line is the latest to be earmarked for resilience improvements.
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