URGENT UPDATE: Rail passengers traveling between Newquay and Par in Cornwall should prepare for delays as critical signal works are extending the timeline for train services. Originally scheduled to resume on Saturday, November 8, the completion of these upgrades will now take longer than anticipated, prompting the continuation of replacement bus services.
Authorities confirm that work is underway to implement a new digital signal system and a second platform at Newquay. Currently, buses are running in place of trains between Newquay and St Austell. Passengers at Par can catch a train to St Austell and transfer to buses heading towards Newquay. Meanwhile, train services from Par to Plymouth and Penzance remain operational.
The extended disruption is set to impact travel plans for many commuters.
“We’re really sorry to passengers for the extended delay. Signalling is the most complex work we undertake on the railway, and unfortunately, we need longer than planned to complete the required testing,”
stated Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail’s Industry Programme Director. He emphasized that safety is the top priority, and services will only resume when thorough testing is complete.
Once the signal works are finalized, passengers can expect an increase in service frequency, with an hourly train running between Newquay and Par starting next year. This improvement will more than double the current service and establish a direct link from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell, and Truro. Notably, Newquay will operate two platforms for the first time since 1987.
Passengers are urged to visit GWR.com for updated travel information and to plan their journeys accordingly, as bus services will be in place, potentially extending journey times. Lee Goodson, Great Western Railway station manager for West Cornwall, acknowledged the inconvenience, stating,
“We recognize how frustrating it is that these works are taking longer than expected. It is, however, really important to complete them before we can introduce these services in the future.”
During this period, trains will not stop at several stations, including Newquay, Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle, or Luxulyan. Passengers are advised to stay informed of changes and prepare for longer travel times as the essential upgrades progress.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this developing story.
