Courtlands Boardwalk on the Exe Estuary Trail has re-opened following the completion of repairs.

The section of the Trail between Lympstone and Exmouth has been undergoing a major overhaul after it was found that timber structural beams and deck planks had deteriorated and become unsafe.

Over 94 tonnes of timber have been removed during the repair scheme, and it has been replaced with 70 new spans of a more durable fiber-reinforced material, known as Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP).

Around 6,000 GRP elements have been installed during the project, using more than 26,700 steel bolts and screws.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for Highway Management, said: “It was essential that these repairs were carried out and now that it’s re-opened we have a much safer boardwalk on this section of the trail, which will have a much longer lifespan. The work has unfortunately taken longer than anyone would have wanted but the end result provides us with a high-quality route which I’m sure users of the Exe Estuary Trail are looking forward to using once again.”

Work was undertaken by Bridge Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of the County Council.

Minor finishing touches to the scheme will be carried out without the need for further closures.

Councillor Jeff Trail BEM, County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “Now that the repairs to the Exe Estuary Trail have been completed it is hoped that those using the Trail will enjoy the open space, especially at this time of the year. Please enjoy the wildlife and share the Trail for what it was intended, by all users.”