St Ives branch to close for two weeks as major track renewal work begins

Passengers using the branch line between St Erth and St Ives are being urged to prepare ahead of time as a programme of essential track renewals gets under way early in the new year.

The work will take place from Monday 5 to Sunday 18 January 2026, during which engineers will replace 2,140 yards of rail, sleepers and ballast. The upgrades are aimed at maintaining safety and reliability on one of Cornwall’s busiest and most heavily used routes.

During the closure, trains will not run between St Erth and St Ives. Rail replacement buses will operate throughout the two-week period, with passengers advised to use local bus services instead. Rail tickets will be accepted on First Kernow’s 17 and 17A services, which stop outside St Erth station and run to St Ives via Carbis Bay.

The work follows recent improvements at St Erth station, where a new fully accessible footbridge equipped with lifts opened last month, improving step-free access for passengers changing trains.

The St Ives branch carries more than 750,000 passengers each year and is widely regarded as one of the most scenic railways in Great Britain. The line runs alongside the River Hayle before climbing above Carbis Bay and continuing into St Ives, making it popular with both local residents and visitors.

Stuart Stevens, Network Rail project manager, said:

“I'd like to thank passengers for their patience in advance as we undertake this vital work to keep trains running smoothly and reliably for the local community and the many tourists who travel towards St Ives every year. Please make sure to check before travelling as we complete this work and allow extra time to complete your journey."

Lee Goodson, GWR station manager for West Cornwall, said:

“This work forms part of an ongoing improvement programme to ensure the continued reliability of an important rail link in Cornwall. Instead of replacement buses, customers with a valid rail ticket can use this to travel on the number 17/17A bus operated by First Kernow between Penzance, St Erth and St Ives. Please note, unlike rail replacement services, the number 17/17A does not stop outside the railway stations for Carbis Bay, Lelant or Lelant Saltings. It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Image: Network Rail