The Station Footbridge introduces a new accessible route across the platforms and is the first iteration of the “Ribbon” Footbridge Design developed with Network Rail. Adjustments to the design were required to address site conditions including using stainless steel as the main structure.
The Link Bridge will sit alongside the existing historic viaduct and will bridge the pedestrian promenade over the outlet of Dawlish Water. Wave testing was undertaken by the team in order to pursue as light a structure as possible.
In contrast to the monumental 800 m of new sea wall, this is the only section with open parapets, reducing visual intrusion on the site and promoting open views of the sea.
The team worked to balance the requirements for a sensitive historic site with extreme wave loading constraints; approval was granted in late 2020 and progress remains underway.