Mid Cornwall lays foundations for better coast-to-coast rail

Work has started on phase three of the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM), designed to improve coast-to-coast rail links. The £56.8m project, funded by Government and Cornwall Council, is looking to provide an hourly direct train service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

A 400m passing loop is being built at Goss Moor to allow long-distance and local trains to run at the same time between Newquay and Par. Work will also take place on Ponts Mill (Prideaux) viaduct, which carries the railway over the River Par.

The first phase of the project - which is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the county council and GWR, - is set to see hourly trains running between Newquay and Par, more than doubling the current service, later this year. Through trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, are set to follow in 2026.

Network Rail has completed a second platform at Newquay station along with 500m of new track and a new crossing installed to bring trains to it.

Tap in, tap out Pay As You Go ticketing with a GWR smartcard will also be extended across Cornwall, plus Plymouth and the Tamar Valley Line, as part of the project.

The project aims to improve walking and cycling routes and public spaces around train stations. Cornwall Council has started construction of work at Newquay to widen the walking and cycling shared use path along Narrowcliff.

Amendments are also being made to extend the walking and cycle path between Edgecumbe Avenue and Oakleigh Terrace and provide more crossing points, said Network Rail.

Matthew Barnes, from Great Western Railways, said: “Once the infrastructure works and operational preparations are complete, the first step will see us double frequency on the line between Newquay and Par, followed by the start of coast-to-coast services at a later date.”

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “Mid Cornwall Metro is the biggest investment into public transport in Cornwall for 30 years.

“Improving the ‘first and last mile’ makes it easier for people to make the choice to walk, cycle or catch the bus to their local station, rather than driving and adding to congestion on our roads,” he said.

“It also benefits those in the community who may not need to travel by train, and instead are travelling within their town or village. People are more likely to walk or cycle if they feel safe to do so.

“And there’s lots of research showing the value of the ‘pedestrian pound’ and how attractive, connected public spaces increase dwell time in local shops and businesses.”