Network RailPassengers have been told to plan ahead while work takes place to provide coast-to-coast rail travel in Cornwall.
Network Rail said work would take place on the branch line between Newquay and Par from Monday 3 November to Friday 7 November.
It added testing would take place on a new digital signalling system and a second platform at Newquay.
George Collinson, Network Rail lead portfolio manager, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the final stage of work required for the Mid Cornwall Metro, which will transform rail services in the area and provide better connectivity for the people of Cornwall.”
The second platform will give Newquay two operational platforms for the first time since 1987, it said.
The semaphore signal, controlled at St Blazey signal box by the longest cable in Cornwall, is to be retired and replaced with the new digital signal.
National Rail said buses would replace trains between Newquay and St Austell while the work was being carried out.
It added passengers at Par should take the train to St Austell and change for buses towards Newquay and trains would still run from Par towards Plymouth and Penzance.
‘Alternative travel arrangements’
The £56.8m Mid Cornwall Metro project has been planned to provide an hourly direct train service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth from 2026.
Mr Collinson said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience in advance, and remind them to please check before travelling next week as there will be changes to services as we complete this work.”
Lee Goodson, GWR station manager for West Cornwall, said: “This improvement work forms part of the wider plans to enhance train services for those choosing to travel by rail across Cornwall.”
He added: “It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
