Great Western Railway (GWR) passengers in Cornwall are being advised to plan ahead as the final stage of essential engineering work takes place in early November, paving the way for future service improvements as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro project. The work, scheduled from Monday 3 to Friday 7 November, marks a major milestone in the scheme, which will enable the introduction of hourly services between Newquay and Par next year, as well as future direct links between Falmouth and Newquay.

During the five days of work, no trains will operate to or from Newquay. Replacement buses will run between Newquay and St Austell, connecting with services at Par for onward travel towards Plymouth or Penzance. The work will also affect stops at Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle and Luxulyan, with passengers advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

GWR Station Manager for West Cornwall, Lee Goodson, said: “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 services between Falmouth and Newquay. There is still some work to complete before we can introduce these services, however, 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, added: “This is the final piece of work to help create Mid Cornwall Metro and bring even more people onto the railway. We appreciate passengers' understanding. Our work will provide benefits long into the future.”

The £50 million Mid Cornwall Metro project is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with Cornwall Council and GWR, with funding from the UK Government. Once complete, it will enhance connectivity across the region, supporting sustainable travel and economic growth by improving links between key Cornish towns and reducing reliance on road travel.

Image: Great Western Railway