Buses replace trains as project enters final phase

Network Rail said the final phase of Mid Cornwall Metro engineering work takes place from Monday

Train passengers are being reminded to plan ahead of the final phase of engineering work on a rail line.

Network Rail said passengers travelling between Newquay and Par would be affected by the work on the Mid Cornwall Metro project between Monday and Friday next week.

It said buses would replace trains from Newquay to St Austell, while passengers at Par were advised to take train to St Austell and change for buses towards Newquay.

Trains would still run from Par towards Plymouth and Penzance, it said.

Lee Goodson, Great Western Railway station manager for west Cornwall, said during the works no trains could 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," he said.

"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."

The Mid Cornwall Metro project involves the restoration of a second platform at Newquay station, a new passing loop at Goss Moor and the installation of new digital signals.

Network Rail said from 2026 there would be hourly trains between Newquay and Par, doubling the current service.

It said the enhancements would then be followed by direct trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro.