Trains running again in Cornwall Metro project

The £56.8m project will increase train frequency between Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth

Trains are running again between Newquay and Par after the completion of the latest phase of rail improvements in Cornwall.

As part of the £56.8m Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) project, a new passing loop at Goss Moor has been built, and 400m (0.25 miles) of track at St Blazey has been replaced.

There were also repairs carried out to the 152-year-old Ponts Mill viaduct and new signals installed between Newquay station and Goonbarrow signal box.

The MCM project is looking to provide an hourly direct coast-to-coast train service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

Network Rail said: "The passing loop at Goss Moor will allow long-distance and local trains to run at the same time between Newquay and Par.

"This will enable hourly trains to begin from later this year.

"Through trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, will follow in 2026."

MCM is funded by the government and Cornwall Council and is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and Great Western Railway.

'Transformative'

Lord Peter Hendy, the minister for railways, said: "The vital Mid Cornwall Metro project is all about improving transport connections for local people and tourists between Cornwall's popular north and south coasts.

"[It] will be transformative for the whole region when fully complete."

George Collinson, from Network Rail, said: "We've had several teams working non-stop for the past month to make the biggest improvements to the Newquay branch line in a generation.

"Trains can now pass each other at Goss Moor for the first time since the 1960s and our work will soon bring a huge increase in trains along the line.

"We're sorry for the disruption but our work will provide a significant long-term boost to Cornwall."