PEDESTRIANS will be able to enjoy ‘step-free’ access along Dawlish seafront from today. 

Engineers working on the major scheme to protect the vulnerable coastal rail link say access to King’s Walk promenade and beach in Dawlish is due to reopen to the public today. 

New paving is in place under the first span of Colonnade viaduct and, with the heavy machinery gone, it’s safe for everyone to use again.

The new link bridge, stilling basin area, and promenade and beach between Colonnade and Coastguards breakwaters will remain closed while work continues.

A spokesman for the South West Rail Resilience Programme said: ‘We plan to open up more areas to the public later this Spring.

'Thank you to everybody for your patience while the underpass has been closed, especially to those of you who have been unable to use the stepped footbridge.’  

Work is continuing on the final phases of the £80million sea wall programme to protect the line and provide a safer and more accessible promenade and public areas.