ACCESS under Dawlish Colonnade to King’s Walk remains restricted as work continues on a gas main.

Engineers are working in a ‘constricted space’ near the capped gas main and a sewage pipe as part of the programme of work to built the next phase of the new sea wall.

The current work means access will be restricted to King’s Walk and the beach underpass until further notice for safety reasons.

A spokesman for the South West Rail Resilience Programme, which is running Network Rail’s improvement programme, explained: ‘We are currently installing the remaining piles for the foundations for the bridge that will link the two sections of public, accessible promenade.

‘And we’re continuing work on the new stilling basin, where Dawlish Water runs into the sea.

‘The beach and King’s Walk promenade remain open and signs are in place to direct people via the stepped footbridge near Kennaway Tunnel at the end of Marine Parade, and advising that the beach, promenade, Coryton Cove and local businesses remain open.

‘We are aware the August bank holiday is approaching and will make every effort to open the underpass then if it is safe to do so.’

The station car park was closed for two days while the power supply to new lifts for the station’s accessible footbridge was installed.

The spokesman said: ‘Thank you for your continued patience and understanding and we’re sorry for any inconvenience.’

The work which is disrupting access via the underpass over the main holiday season has caused complaints.

But Network Rail, which is responsible for the programme of work to protect the vulnerable coastal rail line since the 2014 storms, says the measures have to be in place for safety reasons and to ensure the work is complete before the winter weather.