Stage three of Mid Cornwall Metro work underway

Network Rail has begun the third major stage of work to create Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) and transform coast-to-coast rail travel in the county.

MCM is funded by Government and Cornwall Council and being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR. The first phase of the project will see hourly trains run between Newquay and Par, more than doubling the current service, later this year. Through trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, will follow in 2026.

Work is now under way to build a 400m passing loop at Goss Moor to allow long-distance and local trains to run at the same time between Newquay and Par.

Construction is currently happening at night when trains aren’t running on Network Rail land that sits within Goss Moor National Nature Reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England granted permission for work to take place.

Round-the-clock work will follow during a core period of construction when the railway is temporarily closed from Monday 24 February to Sunday 23 March inclusive.

The passing loop will be completed and 400m of track will also be replaced near St Blazey to allow trains to pass there, too. Work will also take place on Ponts Mill (Prideaux) viaduct that carries the railway over the River Par to ensure it is safe for decades to come.

During this closure, no trains will run between Newquay and Par. Rail replacement buses will run from St Austell to Newquay, calling at Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St Columb Road and Quintrell Downs. Most replacement buses won’t call at Par and passengers will need to change at St Austell. Please visit GWR.com/Upgrade for full details.

Network Rail has already completed two other major pieces of work for MCM – a second platform has been restored at Newquay station and 500m of new track and a new crossing installed to bring trains to it.

The extra trains between Newquay and Par were initially planned to run from this summer but are now expected to start later in 2025. Network Rail is continuing to install the digital signals required to run more services.

The MCM project also includes improvements to walking and cycling routes and public spaces around train stations. Earlier this month Cornwall Council began construction on phase one of work at Newquay to widen the walking and cycling shared use path along Narrowcliff. Following public consultation held late last year, amendments are being made to the design to extend the walking and cycle path between Edgecumbe Avenue and Oakleigh Terrace and provide more crossing points.

Network Rail industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said:

“We’ve made great progress so far to bring Mid Cornwall Metro to life and this next phase will take us even closer.

“Our work will bring more trains to Newquay, improve the environment and boost the local economy.”

GWR Head of Strategic Service Development Matthew Barnes said:

“We welcome the steady progress being made to deliver this scheme. These upgrades will make the track improvements necessary for us to provide more, and better, services.

“This paves the way for us to run our first Mid Cornwall Metro trains which will provide coast-to-coast connectivity between Newquay and Falmouth via Par and St Austell.

“Once the infrastructure works and operational preparations are complete, the first step will see us double frequency on the line between Newquay and Par, followed by the start of coast-to-coast services at a later date.”

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said:

“Mid Cornwall Metro is the biggest investment into public transport in Cornwall for 30 years. It underlines our commitment to provide a thriving and sustainable Cornwall, fit for the modern world, for the benefit our residents.

“Improving public spaces and accessibility on the roads and public spaces around the stations brings many benefits. Improving the ‘first and last mile’ makes it easier for people to make the choice to walk, cycle or catch the bus to their local station, rather than driving and adding to congestion on our roads.

“It also benefits those in the community who may not need to travel by train, and instead are travelling within their town or village. People are more likely to walk or cycle if they feel safe to do so. “And there’s lots of research showing the value of the ‘pedestrian pound’ and how attractive, connected public spaces increase dwell time in local shops and businesses.”