Sunday 13 April 2008

Sea Level Rise affects railway plans


Train at Dawlish

Rise in Sea Levels have meant Railway developers having to rethink building plans and certain rail lines in the South West. Train lines run right along the coast of Cornwall and into Devon but some areas are already being affected by the sea, particularly in bad weather. Developers are suggesting possibly reopening of the old line between Okehampton and Plymouth. This would be to move away from the line which runs the Dawlish seafront, as bad weather often means difficulaties. Train operators are hoping to make this development a reality over the next 50 years in preperation of SLR. Measures to open the line between Tavistock and Plymouth are already underway, although it is estimated to cost around £10m.

Some are protesting the changes, as the route along the coast is a much more pleasent one to travel, but measures must be taken to ensure that future journeys are safe and on time.