Newquay rail line closure extended

Rail passengers travelling between Newquay and Par are being advised to plan ahead, as engineering work on the branch line will continue until Tuesday 18 November.

The extra time will allow Network Rail to complete testing of a new digital signalling system and prepare a second platform at Newquay as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro project.

Replacement buses will continue to run between Newquay and St Austell. Passengers from Par are being advised to take the train to St Austell and change there for buses towards Newquay. Trains will continue to operate on the main line from Par towards Plymouth and Penzance.

Services had been due to resume on Saturday 8 November, but Network Rail said additional time was needed to complete testing safely.

Network Rail’s industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said the organisation was sorry for the extended delay and that safety remained the top priority. He said the line could only reopen once the new signals had been fully tested and were ready to use.

The work is part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme, which is funded by the UK government and Cornwall Council and delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and Great Western Railway.

Once complete, the project will allow an hourly service between Newquay and Par from next year, more than doubling the current frequency. A new direct service from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, is also planned.

Newquay will have two operational platforms for the first time since 1987.

GWR’s station manager for west Cornwall, Lee Goodson, said the company recognised that the delay was frustrating but it was important the work was completed before new services were introduced.

He said trains would not be able to stop at Newquay, Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle or Luxulyan during the closure.

Passengers are being advised to check journey updates and replacement bus timetables at GWR.com.