MAJOR work is on track to transform coast-to-coast rail travel in Mid Cornwall.

The Voice Newspaper was invited to see first-hand how work is progressing on the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

The first phase of the project being carried out by Network Rail in partnership with GWR and Cornwall Council, will see hourly trains run between Newquay and Par later this year, which more than double the current service.

Direct trains between Newquay and Falmouth via Par, St Austell and Truro, will follow in 2026.

Voice reporter Warren Wilkins was given a sneak peek of the improvements being carried out along the Newquay branch line ( )

A major part of the upgrade work being carried out along the Newquay branch line is creating a passing loop at Goss Moor.

The start of the passing loop at Goss Moor. (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

A 400-metre single section of track has been taken up approximately halfway along the Newquay and Par branch line and replaced by two rail tracks.

Work being carried out along the passing loop (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

The passing loop will allow trains to pass each other and enable long-distance and local trains to run at the same time.

The passing loop will allow trains to pass each other and enable long-distance and local trains to run at the same time (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

The impressive Ponts Mill viaduct built in 1873, which carries the railway over River Par, is being extensively repaired.

The old timber deck of the structure that is 30 metres high and 100 metres long, has been removed and a new steel deck installed along with new track.

The old timber deck of the structure has been removed and a new steel deck installed ( )

Other enhancements being carried out include 400 metres of track replaced at St Blazey so trains can pass each other, and more trains can run between Newquay and Par.

Alexander Malting, the project sponsor, said: “The work we have been doing enables us to increase the frequency on the Newquay branch line to an hourly train service.

Project sponsor Alexander Malting (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

“The passing loop is fundamental to achieving this. It will be long enough to accommodate a 10-car intercity express train, which will serve Newquay during the summer months.

“As a local person it is great to see this investment in Cornwall.

“The Mid Cornwall Metro from Newquay to Falmouth will serve the needs of so many people. For example, people in Luxulyan who want to go shopping in Truro, students in Falmouth who want to travel to Newquay to go surfing.

“In 2021 we added a new early morning service from Newquay to Par, which saw demand increase upwards of 30 per cent.

“Imagine what could happen by doubling the frequency of the service.”

Network Rail has already completed two other major pieces of work for the Mid Cornwall Metro.

A second platform has been restored at Newquay station and 500 metres of new track and a new crossing installed to bring trains to it.

The only work left to do at Newquay Train Station is to install signage and a new gate plus “some minor finishing touches.”

Network Rail is installing 10 digital signals, six at Goss Moor and four at Newquay, which are required to run the extra services.

The Mid Cornwall Metro project also includes improvements to walking and cycling routes and public spaces around train stations

Cornwall Council is widening the walking and cycling shared use path along Narrowcliff.

Amendments are being made to the design to extend the walking and cycle path between Edgecumbe Avenue and Oakleigh Terrace and provide more crossing points.

Trencreek and Chapel level crossings will be closed to vehicles.

The improvements could be the start of Newquay Train Station’s journey back to its heyday of rail travel.

Further improvements around the railway station are in the pipeline.

Matthew Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

Matthew Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said: “This is the start of the journey for Newquay station.

“The Mid Cornwall Metro is about improving transport links and there is an opportunity behind that, which is led by Cornwall Council and Homes England, which GWR and Network Rail are happy to support.”