THE Newquay to Par branch rail line will close for two weeks for new track to be laid as part of the £56.8-million Mid Cornwall Metro project.

GWR and Network Rail is shutting the branch line from Monday, November 18, until Sunday, December 1.

The closure will enable trains to reach the second platform that has been restored at Newquay Train Station as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme due to be completed in 2026, which will create a coast-to-coast service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

A spokesperson for GWR and Network Rail, said: “In order to lay new track so trains can reach the new platform we have restored at Newquay station, which enables the introduction of an hourly service from Newquay as part of Mid-Cornwall Metro, the railway will be closed from Monday, November 18 until Sunday, December 1.

“During this time, buses will replace trains and run from St Austell to Newquay. Most replacement buses will not call at Par.

 “We should say too that some car park spaces at Newquay station will remain unavailable until Friday, December 20 to create an area for Network Rail’s site compound.”