Track works are under way for the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM), a £56.8m rail initiative aimed at improving local journeys and connectivity in the region.

Passengers are advised to check their journeys between Newquay and Par as engineering work which affects trains started on November 18.

MCM is funded by government and Cornwall Council and delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR.

It will connect Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth with through trains for the first time, doubling the frequency of services for local passengers, commuters and visitors.

Network Rail’s team has begun a major piece of work to lay new track into Newquay station. The work will bring trains to the new platform that’s been restored.

It means no trains will run between Newquay and Par from Monday 18 November to Sunday 1 December.

During this time, rail replacement buses will run from St Austell to Newquay, calling at Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St Colomb Road and Quintrell Downs.

Most replacement buses will not call at Par and passengers will need to change at St Austell.

With a second platform and new track in place, trains to Newquay will more than double from the current one every two hours.

From summer 2025, trains will run every hour between Newquay and Par, creating an extra 700,000 seats every year. Services will also finish later in the day than at present.

The next stage of work, in spring next year, will see a new passing loop built at Tregoss Moor to allow local and long-distance trains to run side by side.

This will enable trains to run directly from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, from 2026.

Tap-on, tap-off payment will be available and accessibility, walking and cycling facilities will also be improved around several stations.

Network Rail industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said: “This is the first of two major pieces of work we need to complete on the Newquay branch line. We’ve got a new platform ready and now we need to lay new track to reach it.

“We’re sorry for the disruption but working this way is the fastest route to bring the benefits of Mid Cornwall Metro to passengers.”

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “Mid Cornwall Metro is the latest in a number of transport initiatives we have been working on over recent years in Cornwall to enhance the lives of our residents, in terms of both economic growth and health and wellbeing.

“It’s an exciting time for an initiative which will provide a catalyst for economic growth and is crucial for future sustainable growth and investment in mid Cornwall.

“This project will also play a key role in delivering rail and active travel improvements across Cornwall supporting more active lifestyles - by encouraging more people to walk, cycle and use public transport – with the impact of helping to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and alleviate congestion on our roads.”