Torquay sea wall improvement works start shortly (From Mid Devon Star)

Torquay sea wall improvement works start shortly

9:38am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

Work to protect the Livermead sea wall and the main road between Torquay and Paignton is due to start in the next few weeks.

The existing revetment, a sloping structures placed on banks or cliffs in such a way as to absorb the energy of incoming water, that helps to protect the sea wall, is no longer effective as many of the rocks are too small or have been washed away in recent storms.

The resulting work will involve placing new four tonne rocks in front of the wall.

A 100 tonne crane will be delivered to site to lift a machine onto the beach and together they will move the rocks into place. The crane will also be required to remove the machine before high tide each day.

Cllr Robert Excell, said: "The Livermead sea wall protects a main route between Torquay and Paignton and prevents sea flooding of various hotels and properties in the area. Therefore it is vital that we continue to maintain it and protect it from possible damage.

"To enable the works to be carried out, a section of Torbay Road opposite the Livermead House Hotel will be single lane and traffic will be controlled by temporary lights. There will also be full provisions for pedestrians.

"We have planned the work to coincide with a quieter time of the year and whilst some disruption will be inevitable we will endeavour to get the work completed as quickly as possible - which we expect to be about six weeks, weather depending. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance for their patience."

The works are due to be completed by the end of March and the contractor is South West Highways of Exeter. The value of the contract is £350,000.