Cornwall Metro funding approved

[fgwrich]

The line is expected to close again soon for a passing loop.

Not until February to March next year through. Preparations will continue in the meantime.

 

[83G/84D]

It seems that the full scheme will not be completed until at least late summer 2025 with another shutdown expected and a date to be determined for the introduction of the new service.

 

[fgwrich]

It seems that the full scheme will not be completed until at least late summer 2025 with another shutdown expected and a date to be determined for the introduction of the new service.

Cant say I'm surprised at that - are there any other improvements planned for Newquay station itself, the canvas cover is now looking rather sorry for itself. Though I see the cafe has changed hands and now been smartened up at least!

 

[Xavi]

It seems that the full scheme will not be completed until at least late summer 2025 with another shutdown expected and a date to be determined for the introduction of the new service.

It’s never planned to be any earlier than that date. May-25 hourly Par-Newquay, May-26 Newquay- Falmouth.

 

[83G/84D]

Cant say I'm surprised at that - are there any other improvements planned for Newquay station itself, the canvas cover is now looking rather sorry for itself. Though I see the cafe has changed hands and now been smartened up at least!

I don’t think so. I will ask someone I know who is involved in the project

 

[I'm here now]

Apparently even the first stage is delayed…
https://railnews.mobi/news/2025/02/06-plans-for-mid-cornwall-metro.html

 

[sor]

What are the "digital signals" in this context? Is it a similar resignalling to that recently done on the mainline?

 

[The exile]

That “…, while work … on digital signals” sounds to me a clever bit of wording to hide “we can’t introduce in May because we won’t have enough trains”, which is much harder to justify.

 

[Xavi]

My intelligence is that the delays are linked to Treasury (through DfT) micromanaging the release of funding for signalling and the GWR class 175 lease (to release a 150). The line closure for installing the passing loop is unaffected and going ahead as originally planned.

 

[nanstallon]

It is a pity that the hourly service seems as if it will not happen this summer, just when it would be most useful for this premier holiday destination.

 

[BrianW]

It is a pity that the hourly service seems as if it will not happen this summer, just when it would be most useful for this premier holiday destination.

Who cares- it's only customers! Surely it IS someone's fault- surely they should pay?.

 

[Brush 4]

From the photo, it looks as if the platform and track will be finished by May. Will local trains be using it from then, allowing through trains to use the existing platform?

 

[zwk500]

What are the "digital signals" in this context? Is it a similar resignalling to that recently done on the mainline?

I'd guess (and it is only a guess) that it means the interlocking will be computer based as is the norm for most schemes now so yes.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Goonbarrow Jcn will control the second platform at Newquay and the Goss Moor loop with a new workstation. Semaphore signalling will remain for its immediate vicinity. The Cornwall Rly Soc (latest input) has some shots of the Goss Moor loop - can't link as on mobile. The formation is still being dug out for the second track - it was double here from the '30s to the '60s.

 

[Xavi]

Who cares- it's only customers! Surely it IS someone's fault- surely they should pay?.

Treasury withholding funding to DfT.

 

[sor]

Nothing terribly exciting, but roadworks.org now shows MCM works in Roche from Sept until next March, to "Extend & Widen existing footways & Remove roundabout." and "Install Streetlighting, change Line markings for cycleway and change of use of Road. Changing Traffic Signal Heads."

I presume it's intentionally timed after the planned opening of the bypass to St Austell, by which time the traffic situation in Roche itself should be vastly improved anyway. I have heard rumours that the existing road towards Victoria will be made one way for cars, making space for a mixed use path - this seems to back that up.

Very good news, and essential if they want people in Roche to actually use the station...

eta: plans published, consultations forthcoming: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/roche-bugle-active-travel

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Had a cycle around Goss Moor today - most of the track for the new loop is in place and awaiting ballast / tamping. Signalling looks to be complete too. The line is completely closed for the works until 21st Mar.

Also visited St. Dennis church which has a commanding view of the area and inspected the remains of the Parkandillack - St Dennis Jcn line. All the structures are intact apart from a level xing in St. Dennis which has been flattened out. I cannot help thinking that restoration of this 3 mile link, potentially enabling a direct service between Newquay and St. Austell, would have been a better investment.

As an aside cycling provision in Cornwall is terrible - I needed to somehow cross the A30 / A39 interchange roundabout at Indian Queens. There is no alternative way across - the old road is stopped up - so I just had to go for it but in summer it would be suicidal with heavy traffic.

 

[Meerkat]

There are some pictures of the new platform and (bagged) signals at Newquay a little way down this page
https://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc

I popped over to Newquay for a look at our NEW infrastructure. The layout may not be as elaborate as the 1987 layout with three platforms, signalbox and sidings, but it's fascinating to see new points, platform, tracks and signals ready for commissioning...

I have a couple of questions:

1. How long will the two platforms be? The new one looks quite short, unless it’s just the angle.
2. Both signals are at the old ends of the platforms, which is a bit round a corner from the new platform - will there be an off indicator for the guard, or do they only have to worry about right away against a red if the signal is right at the front of the train?

 

[Zomboid]

How long will the two platforms be? The new one looks quite short, unless it’s just the angle.

The new platform will be short and only for the local trains. The occasional London services can use the old platform.

 

[jamieh27]

How long will the two platforms be? The new one looks quite short, unless it’s just the angle.

Platform 1 is staying the same length as it fits 9 and 10 car trains. Platform 2 is long to accommodate 4 car trains, which will be used for Local metro services. Platform 1 will then be used for InterCity services from London Paddington or platform alteration.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Platform 1 is staying the same length as it fits 9 and 10 car trains. Platform 4 is long to accommodate 4 car trains, which will be used for Local metro services. Platform 1 will then be used for InterCity services from London Paddington or platform alteration.

Platform 1 will probably be used for everything for most of the year. The Intercity services aren’t common.

 

[Zomboid]

Platform 1 will probably be used for everything for most of the year. The Intercity services aren’t common.

They might be more frequent once the project is done, as the infrastructure will allow it.
Not a clockface all-day-every-day offering, but more than presently.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

They might be more frequent once the project is done, as the infrastructure will allow it.
Not a clockface all-day-every-day offering, but more than presently.

I reckon you’ve got absolutely no chance in the winter.

 

[Zomboid]

I reckon you’ve got absolutely no chance in the winter.

Probably no demand in winter, but there's currently only a couple of summer trains per day at the weekend. Depending on capacity elsewhere there could easily be a daily round trip from London (or even an XC from someplace else) once the line is upgraded.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

There has been a daily Paddington - Newquay and v.v. summer service in the recent past - it was a franchise requirement if I recall.

The local service will be hourly from September (2025 hopefully!) which will require 2 units, passing on the new loop at Goss Moor which is almost exactly halfway. A second platform at Newquay will be useful anyway in case of disruption / failure.

 

[Zomboid]

There has been a daily Paddington - Newquay and v.v. summer service in the recent past - it was a franchise requirement if I recall.

The local service will be hourly from September (2025 hopefully!) which will require 2 units, passing on the new loop at Goss Moor which is almost exactly halfway. A second platform at Newquay will be useful anyway in case of disruption / failure.

AIUI, there will be capacity for additional trains to run without affecting the local service, which isn't the case at present.

 

[Express380]

There is another block on the Newquay branch from the 11th to 14th September, I'm presuming that's getting all the last parts ready.

 

[83G/84D]

There is another block on the Newquay branch from the 11th to 14th September, I'm presuming that's getting all the last parts ready.

I believe the passing loop and signals at Newquay will be commissioned although I don’t think the Falmouth to Newquay services will start until later.