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Modernising the Cornish Main Line

Signalling improvements will affect train services in Cornwall this autumn.

Network Rail is carrying out a multi-million pound programme to improve the signalling in Cornwall. This work will see the replacement of older-style signals and signalling equipment with brand-new, modern technology.

Once complete, this will help to improve train service reliability and reduce delays incurred by signalling issues.

In order for this work to be done, the Cornish Main Line will be temporarily closed in various stages with buses replacing trains on affected routes.

When trains will be affected

Sunday 10 September

The line between Plymouth and St Erth (including branch lines to Newquay and Falmouth Docks) will be closed.

Tuesday 31 October to Sunday 12 November

This closure will affect trains in three phases:

  • Tuesday 31 October to Sunday 5 November – Line closed between St Austell to St Erth (including the branch line to Falmouth Docks)
  • Monday 6 to Friday 10 November – Line closed between Liskeard to St Erth (including branch lines to Newquay and Falmouth Docks)
  • Weekend of 11 and 12 November – Line closed between Plymouth to St Erth (including branch lines to Looe, Newquay and Falmouth Docks)

Monday 20 November

The branch line between Liskeard and Looe will be closed for level crossing upgrades.

How services will be affected

Replacement bus stop locations

Buses will stop at the front of the station, except at the following locations.

Station Replacement bus stop location
Bugle Entrance to Valley View Park before the railway bridge and entrance to Station Road
Causeland Duloe village bus stops by the turning for the Community Shop
Camborne 10 September only – Front of the railway station
31 October to 12 November – Camborne Bus station
Falmouth Town Bus stop on the main road at the side of the station, by the bridge
Hayle To Penzance – bus stop on Penpol Terrace near Lloyds Bank
To Truro – bus stop on Penpol Terrace near the McColls store
Lostwithiel All buses depart from the St Austell-bound bus stop on the A390, opposite the Royal Talbot
Luxulyan On the main road at the station entrance
Par Eastcliffe Road bus stops near the station approach road
Penmere Penmere Hill
Quintrell Downs Bus stops either side of the level crossing
Redruth To Penzance – bus stop at the front of the station
To Truro – bus stop on the opposite side of the road by the traffic lights
Saltash Fore Street bus stops, near the Co-Op store
St Germans End of the station approach road on the Platform 1 side of the station
St Keyne Wishing Well Halt St Keyne village bus stops by the turning for Lametton Bungalows

Can’t see your station in this list?

This means that replacement buses will stop at the front of the station or in the station car park.

For details of replacement bus stop locations at any station in Great Britain, visit the National Rail website.

Facilities on replacement buses

Buses on main line routes

We will provide coaches on most replacement bus services. Most of these will be equipped with toilet facilities which can be used at the driver’s discretion.

On services operating between Plymouth and Penzance, there will also be a 10-minute pause at St Austell on all services to allow customers to use the toilets at the station if required.

Buses on branch line routes

Buses replacing trains on branch lines will normally be single or double-decker buses with no toilet facilities.

Have a question about our replacement buses?

Please visit our Replacement Buses page for all the information you need, including:

  • Types of replacement buses we use
  • Travelling with animals, bikes, pushchairs or large items of luggage
  • Changing between train and bus
  • Accessibility

Help with your journey

If you are not able to travel on our replacement services, an accessible taxi can be arranged for you. You can do this by:

  • Booking assistance through our Passenger Assist programme
  • Speaking to a member of staff at the station on the day of travel*
  • Using the Help Point available at all of our stations on the day of travel*

*please allow additional time as an accessible taxi may not be available immediately. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure a smooth journey.

Still have questions?

If there is something you would like to ask us, get in touch with our team on social media, on Facebook or Twitter.