Finish date delayed for urgent Exmouth sea wall repairs

The finish date for the second phase of urgent works to Exmouth's sea wall has been delayed until late May, after several unforeseen issues.

However, it is hoped the traffic lights on Queens Drive will be removed by the end of April, allowing the promenade path and cycle lane to be reopened at the same time.

In response to community concerns, East Devon District Council (EDDC) is also now taking steps to improve traffic management and provide clearer updates during the ongoing seawall repairs.

Reasons for Delay

The works, which started in November 2024 and were originally scheduled to be finished before Easter this year, included the installation of 150 metres of steel sheet pile along the seawall.

The project has faced several unexpected issues:

Essential safety checks.

Difficult ground conditions near the slipway.

Bad weather, including high winds and tides.

Investigations during construction also showed stability issues around exiting buildings. This required design changes and new methods for building foundations to keep the surrounding buildings safe. Further challenges arose due to precise technical requirements for steel piling, causing extra adjustments and delays.

Measures to Speed Up Work

EDDC and its contractor have responded quickly to these challenges by:

Working evenings and weekends.

Redirecting workers to other local projects when necessary.

Changing designs to reduce delays and save costs.

Why These Repairs Are Urgent

These repairs became urgently needed after severe storm damage in late 2023, which threatened the stability and safety of Exmouth’s seawall. In October 2023, part of the seawall began to fail, risking significant damage to the seafront. Emergency measures, including the placement of concrete blocks and transferring large amounts of sand, were taken immediately to protect the town.

Project Background and Long-Term Benefits

This project is being delivered in three key phases to protect Exmouth’s seafront from future storm damage and coastal erosion.

Phase one began in March 2024 and involved the installation of a 100-metre steel sheet pile wall in front of Sideshore. This was designed to replace a section of seawall that had been weakened over time. The permanent repairs were a major step in protecting the seafront from increasingly severe storms and rising sea levels.

Phase two, which started in November 2024, builds on the work completed in phase one. It includes the installation of a further 150 metres of steel piling, stretching from the end of the phase one works to the Old Lifeboat slipway. This phase has faced delays due to unexpected ground conditions, design changes, and challenging weather. Despite this, the project team aims to complete phase two by the end of May 2025. The cost of this phase is estimated at £1.627 million, with £1.5 million allocated by EDDC and £1.72 million provided by central government to support the wider project.

Phase three will be the final stage of the project. Consultation about the appearance of the completed seawall, including possible cladding options, is expected to take place in Autumn 2025. Feedback from this consultation will inform the design and delivery of the final phase.

These crucial upgrades will significantly improve the town's resilience against climate change and more frequent severe weather, securing vital infrastructure and protecting local homes and businesses. It involves reinforcing another 150 metres of seawall with steel piling, designed to protect the town from severe weather events over the next 100 years and to secure Exmouth’s coastline.’

An EDDC spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the project is progressing towards completion despite recent setbacks. Protecting Exmouth’s coastline from the increasing threat of storm damage is a top priority. We know the works are disruptive, and we thank everyone for their continued patience and support as we carry out these vital improvements.

"EDDC appreciates the patience and understanding of local residents, businesses, and visitors during these essential works. The council remains committed to maintaining Exmouth as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming coastal town for generations to come."