Dawlish rail line collapse.
 

No problem - divert trains via Okehampton to Bere Alston. Oh dear, that bits been closed for years hasn't it? An essential project for Network Rail, and I use the word essential deliberately as Dawlish is one geological battle we are unlikely to win.

It's daft in this day and age that there is only one route into Cornwall
more pictures so far http://antony-christie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/dawlish-seawall-damage-5th-february-2014.html

AND
they are saying a minimum of 6 weeks to repair the damage in fact tonight they said they don't know how bad the damage is yet


AND

there is more bad weather to come

Well, this is true. We have been told there is at least one other storm on the way this week, and then what? I don't really see the GW line ever being closed, at least not for the time being anyway. Whatever happens this surely shows that the power of our weather can never be underestimated.

My heart goes out to the people of Dawlish, and can well remember walking along the footpath adjacent to the track back in the days of steam when a mere youngster.

The weather forecasters have got it wrong before and many times, and let's hope they have again this time and the storm doesn't strike as hard as the 'Experts' say it will, so work can begin in getting the line back up and running. While some say it will take six weeks, How do they know, when the line has to be thoroughly inspected first?

After the huge hole that has been ripped out of the sea wall, it will probably take at least six weeks to design an new wall and to source the stone to rebuild it. That has to be done before the track bed can be rebuilt and all the services re-installed. All this will take time. With luck and a following wind, the line might be open by the end of May.

It's one of the most beautiful lines in the country and a remarkable feat of engineering and it would be a great shame to lose it. I fear for it though. Given climate change storms like we've been experiencing are going to be frequent and regular events in future. Short of a massive breakwater, that must make the Dawlish line untenable in the long term.

A chap from Network Rail was on the News this morning saying putting in a detour route would cost £400 - 500 million and they don't own the land. So neither a cheap or a quick option.

A repair is the only short/mid term option. Though with more and worse storms forecast I think '6 weeks' window to repair the breech is highly optimistic ...

A beautiful place
 

Been to Dawlish Warren on hols the area is beautiful.Our thoughts go out to everyone in that area and in other parts of the UK that have suffered

It's not just that area but the walk to Dawlish Warren have seen pictures of the trackbed there where it is under 2-3 feet of Sand and gravel

Alternative line apparently chosen http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26110559