Mid Cornwall Metro takes a step closer with final piece of engineering work

The Newquay to Par rail line will be closed next week for what is being described as the final phase of engineering work ahead of planned Mid Cornwall Metro improvements.

The work will enable hourly services between Newquay and Par from next year, as well as future direct services between Falmouth and Newquay.

The closure will be in place from Monday 3 to Friday 7 November, with no trains running to or from Newquay during that period. Replacement buses will operate between Newquay and St Austell, while services from Par towards Plymouth and Penzance will continue as normal.

GWR Station Manager for West Cornwall, Lee Goodson, said the work was part of a wider effort to improve rail connections across the county.

“This improvement work forms part of the wider plans to enhance train services, making it even easier for people to choose to travel by train across Cornwall, with more frequent services and direct links between Falmouth and Newquay,” he said.

“There is still some work to complete before we can introduce these services, including the final improvements required to the signalling equipment.

“During the next week, trains will not be able to stop at Newquay, Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle or Luxulyan stations.

“Trains will still run from Par on the Cornish main line and replacement buses will operate on the branch line between Newquay and St Austell.

“It’s important that customers are aware this could make journey times longer, so please plan ahead.”

Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager, George Collinson, said the work would pave the way for the Mid Cornwall Metro.

“This is the final piece of work to help create the Mid Cornwall Metro and bring even more people onto the railway,” he said.

“We appreciate passengers’ understanding. Our work will provide benefits long into the future.”

The £56m Mid Cornwall Metro project is being funded by the government and Cornwall Council, and delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR.

Passengers can find the latest travel information at GWR.com/Upgrade.