The £19.5 million plan to save Lyme Regis from the sea is nearing completion.
Heavy construction work was completed this month on Phase IV of the scheme and public access to the new seawall walkway was opened this week.
Some areas continue to be fenced off as minor work is completed.
Work will now continue on landscaping and planting, which should be finished by Christmas 2014.
The seawall walkway will be closed for around three weeks in October while steps and a footpath linking it to Charmouth Road Car Park are completed.
The Phase IV scheme is a multi-million pound project to protect homes, roads and infrastructure on the eastern side of the town from the effects of coastal erosion and landslips.
West Dorset District Council has led the scheme with contractor Dean and Dyball Civil Engineering carrying out the works.
Major construction work began in early April 2013.
Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “It is great news that the major stabilisation works in Lyme Regis is nearly complete, safeguarding many homes and businesses.
“The district council has worked hard with local representatives, the town council, the Environment Agency and county council to protect the town. I would like to thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation throughout.”
Defra has approved a government grant of £14.6million for the scheme, with Dorset County Council contributing up to £4.27 million and the district council £600,000.
An ‘official opening’ of the scheme will be arranged before next summer, once all the remaining work is finished and the extensive planting has become established.
