Dawlish Promenade Link Bridge

The Dawlish Promenade Link Bridge was planned as part of Network Rail’s South West Rail Resilience Programme which aims to better protect the railway from heavy storm damage. The bridge links two sections of the sea wall, continuing the pedestrian promenade over the outlet to Dawlish Water; the main public seaside access.

The design seeks to protect the town from the sea whilst also providing welcoming and enjoyable access to it. Developing the design in conjunction with localised wave testing has allowed for an optimised structure which balances the significant wave-loading and overtopping criteria, with a sensitive response to views, heritage and local character.

An elegantly shaped concrete deck mirrors the shape of the adjacent viaduct arches. A variation in deck-cross section is achieved through a twist in the soffit which follows an arched profile giving the deck a lighter appearance in elevation while maintaining the structural depth required.