Cornwall passengers reminded to adjust travel plans as final phase of Mid Cornwall Metro engineering work takes place

Passengers travelling between Newquay and Par are being reminded that the final stage of engineering work for Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) takes place this week.

UPDATE: The work was originally due to be completed by Saturday 8 November, but testing of the new signalling system is taking longer than expected. As a result, it is now anticipated that train services will resume on Tuesday 18 November.

Testing will take place to introduce a new digital signalling system and a second platform at Newquay will be brought into use, giving Newquay two operational platforms for the first time since 1987.

A semaphore signal, controlled at St Blazey signal box by the longest cable in Cornwall, will also be retired and replaced by a new digital signal.

During this time, buses will replace trains from Newquay to St Austell. Passengers at Par should take the train to St Austell and change for buses towards Newquay. Trains will still run from Par towards Plymouth and Penzance.

Starting in 2026, hourly trains will run between Newquay and Par, more than doubling the current service. Direct trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, will follow.

MCM is funded by Government and Cornwall Council and being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR.

Network Rail lead portfolio manager George Collinson said:

“We’re delighted to be delivering the final stage of work required for the Mid Cornwall Metro, which will transform rail services in the area and provide better connectivity for the people of Cornwall.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience in advance, and remind them to please check before travelling next week as there will be changes to services as we complete this work.”

 GWR station manager for West Cornwall Lee Goodson said:

“This improvement work forms part of the wider plans to enhance train services for those choosing to travel by rail across Cornwall.

“During these dates no trains can stop at Newquay, Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle or Luxulyan stations.

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

“Most of these rail replacement services will stop at all stations, except for Par, but some will operate non-stop at peak periods.

“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Passengers can plan their journeys at GWR.com.