PASSENGERS using Dawlish railway station will soon be able to use its new accessible footbridge and lifts.

Work on this part, the second phase of the £80million South West Rail Resilience Project, is due to be completed this autumn. 

Once finished, it will mean the 1846-built Grade II listed station will have lifts for the first time in its history. 

Giving an update on the work, Network Rail project manager Sarah Fraser explained: ‘We are making great progress on the new, accessible footbridge and lifts. 

‘Passengers with luggage, young children or mobility issues will be able to cross from one side to the other unaided.’

The lift shafts are now up but the internal mechanism is still being constructed and glazing has been installed on the new parapets. 

The new footbridge does not have a roof. 

Sarah explained: ‘This will mean passengers will be able to enjoy the view.

‘And it will make sure that in stormy conditions, the structure is robust without having to put in a huge roof.

‘Because the station is listed, we didn’t want a roof to over dominated.

‘Previously waves had reached the platform which made waiting for a train a wet experience.

‘With the new wall, we have made sure many of the waves a deflected back out to sea.

‘A new shield wall should protect the new footbridge stairs.’

The current footbridge will remain in place as an integral part of the station for those who want to use it. 

Changes were made to the original design to make the new bridge more slender.

The lift shafts will be finished in grey, textured concrete to blend in with the new sea wall.

The team has also been building a brick planter close to the steps to platform 2.