Call to restore the Colonnade Viaduct at the heart of Dawlish

The Colonnade Viaduct carrying the railway over Dawlish Water near the station

The steel structure that carries the railway across Dawlish Water sits at the centre of the town, linking the station with the beach and The Lawn. Known as the Colonnade Viaduct, it is one of the most visible parts of the coastal line that defines the South Devon resort. A local campaign is now pressing Network Rail to repaint and restore it after years of visible deterioration.

The present viaduct dates from the late 1920s, replacing an earlier structure from the line’s opening years. It spans the stream that runs through the gardens and forms the main pedestrian route from the town to the seafront. Trains pass directly above the underpass used daily by residents and visitors. Peeling paint and exposed metal have made its condition a regular point of local comment.

Councillor Rosie Dawson launched an online petition calling on Network Rail to commit to proper repainting and restoration. The text argues that the viaduct should be a source of pride rather than a sign of neglect in a town that relies on tourism. Visitors come for the seafront, the black swans and the red cliffs. The structure that greets many of them on arrival matters, the campaign says.

Supporters note that earlier requests for maintenance brought little progress. The harsh marine environment accelerates corrosion. Similar concerns surfaced during nearby sea-wall works, when residents asked whether the steelwork would receive protective treatment at the same time.

Network Rail has acknowledged the petition and indicated that details can be passed to the local team. The company prioritises work across its many bridges according to structural need and funding. Local voices argue that the high visibility of this crossing in a busy seaside town justifies earlier attention.

The viaduct belongs to the wider group of railway features that shape Dawlish. The Grade II listed station stands close by and the line itself remains central to the town’s identity. Keeping the crossing over Dawlish Water in good order would show care for a distinctive public space.

The petition remains open. Those who use the underpass or watch the trains cross the stream continue to make the case that the structure deserves the same attention given to other parts of the coastal railway.

Change.org - Network Rail - Paint the viaduct in Dawlish!