Network Rail has completed the third major stage of work to create the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM). As a result, trains have resumed running between Newquay and Par.

During four weeks of work, carried out during the day and night, workers have:

• built a new passing loop at Goss Moor
• replaced 400m of track at St Blazey, near Par station
• repaired the 152-year old viaduct at Ponts Mill
• installed new signals between Newquay station and Goonbarrow signal box.

The government and Cornwall Council are funding the Mid Cornwall Metro, which was announced in 2023. Network Rail is constructing and delivering the project, working with the council and GWR.

The first phase of the MCM project will introduce an hourly train service between Newquay and Par later in 2025. This represents an increase to more than double the existing service.

The next phase, in 2026, will introduce through trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro.

The creation of the new passing loop at Goss Moor will enable long-distance and local trains to run at the same time between Newquay and Par. This is essential for facilitating the new hourly service.

Network Rail has built the passing loop on land that it owns within Goss Moor National Nature Reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England has given permission for Network Rail to carry out the work.

Network Rail workers also replaced track at St Blazey, which is near Par station. This will allow trains to pass there.

Workers carried out major repairs to the Ponts Mill (Prideaux) viaduct. The 152-year-old structure carries the railway over the River Par. Workers replaced four spans, totalling one hundred metres in length, using two sixty-tonne cranes. They also laid new track.

Trains are now running over the viaduct again. Work is continuing on strengthening the viaduct’s outer-facing steel girders.

Workers installed eight new digital signals between Newquay and Goonbarrow signal box. They are not operational at the moment, but will be put into service in September, and will allow more trains to run to and from Newquay.

More information on the Mid Cornwall Metro is available on the project’s website.

“We’ve had several teams working non-stop for the past month to make the biggest improvements to the Newquay branch line in a generation.

“Trains can now pass each other at Goss Moor for the first time since the 1960s and our work will soon bring a huge increase in trains along the line.

“We’re sorry for the disruption but our work will provide a significant long-term boost to Cornwall.”

Network Rail lead portfolio manager George Collinson