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A scheme to improve train services in central Cornwall which was to have been launched in May this year by doubling the service on the Par to Newquay line has now been delayed to 2026, because more work is needed on signalling equipment. The branch will be closed for five days next week while engineers continue to update the signalling, which includes new LED signals and axle counters. 

A second phase which will see Newquay trains running through to Truro and Falmouth Docks every hour had been scheduled to begin next year, but this has also been put back, to an unspecified ‘future date’.

Network Rail said: ‘From Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 September, no trains will run between Newquay and Par to enable us to carry out work on the latest stage of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

‘Initially it was planned to bring the new signalling system into use during this period. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible and more time is needed to complete the tests that are required before this equipment can be introduced. We are currently in discussions with our contractor and GWR to arrange additional work to complete the testing in the coming months.

‘The new hourly trains between Newquay and Par will be able to run in 2026, following the completion of the tests on the signalling equipment. The Newquay-Falmouth through service will be introduced at a future date.

‘While the railway is closed later this month, our teams will begin the testing of the new digital signalling equipment and the second platform at Newquay, while also taking the opportunity to carry out other work in the area, including drainage improvements.’

The Office of Rail and Road formally approved the work to restore a second platform at Newquay and lay an additional passing loop to improve capacity on 2 September.

The ORR’s deputy director of engineering and asset management Steve Fletcher said: ‘This is an important step for improving rail connectivity in Cornwall, and we look forward to seeing the upgraded station and passing loop open for passengers soon.

‘We’re pleased to have played our part in getting Newquay station ready to open. Our team worked closely with Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.’

Readers’ comments

An interesting development. Such schemes will, I guess, find particular justification related to summer season road congestion? Is there any possibility that a Bodmin Road-Bodmin-Wadebridge-Padstow service might be similarly put in place?                                                                                 

David C. Smith, Bletchley

[MCM will be helpful for tourists, no doubt, but Cornwall Council says the main intention is to provide better links across the county for local people throughout the year, as well as university students in Falmouth and Newquay. The former Padstow line is different: the section from Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin is now occupied by a heritage railway, and most of the rest is now a popular path. Replacing this railway would probably cost a lot more than Mid Cornwall Metro’s £56m, and the towns on the route are considerably smaller than places like St Austell, Newquay and Falmouth, which could make the business case challenging.–Ed.]

Whilst the restoration of the second platform at Newquay and the loop near the old St Dennis Junction will bring welcome summertime capacity and flexibility back to the branch, I struggle to see the point of the grandiose “Cornish Metro” delusion. Even with more trains and tightened schedules, the rail route from Newquay to Truro & Falmouth via Par is circuitous. How many additional passengers will attracted to travel on a rail journey that will still take nearly twice as long as the current local bus schedule?  

Stuart, Plymouth

[Buses from Newquay take longer than MCM trains to reach most places, with the exception of Truro (bus 53min, MCM 76min). Newquay-Falmouth Town by MCM will be 98mins, and by bus it is c105m, including a change of bus at Truro (hardly making rail 'nearly twice as long'). MCM is not particularly intended to provide transport between Newquay and Truro, although it will do so. Buses are vulnerable to summer traffic congestion (which can be severe), while two thirds of people who have a choice will avoid buses, suggesting that the bus is not an effective way of getting people out of their cars. (source: Department for Transport: Public attitudes towards buses, Great Britain: March 2013)--Ed.]

As with nearly all other new stations and line capacity enhancements so far this century, MCM is mainly about 'unlocking new housing developments'. Nansledon (lovely name...not!) garden town is rapidly ploughing up remaining greenfield between Newquay and Quintrell Downs. True though that reinstating capacity for long-distance trains in among the enhanced hourly locals on the branch is welcome news.

Tim M., Cheltenham 

[I think you have a point about housing and new rail schemes. Nansleden in Newquay is a suburban extension of the existing town which has been planned in principle for many years. The name, incidentally, is Cornish for 'broad valley'.--Ed.]