General Discussion
If the existing line becomes a branch line - that doesn't reduce the costs of maintenance. They still have to repair it in the event of more sea damage. (and maintaining the cliffs at places like Shell Cove - on the landside, the red cliffs are weakening and prone to landslide) It's binary - either keep it, and invest in making it as impregnable as 21st century engineering allows - or walk ...
In China we would simply build an underground tunnel for - how far is it - 4 miles? Comparatively straightforward engineering project nowadays with tunnel boring machines.
Demolition and building of a new wall from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth would require closing the line for a year or more. (The photo of the curved wall at Teignmouth is on the beach - time not an issue in building that structure) I'd suggest placing rocks on the seaward side of the wall. (Maybe like those in Dawlish Warren) Lets be clear, the long term impact of this storm hasn't been ...
