Media centre

Monday 13 Oct 2008

£7.8M IMPROVEMENT AT FALMOUTH STEAMS AHEAD

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Southern: Wessex

| Wales & Western

| Southern

The scheme to double the number of train services on the Falmouth branch line has entered a vital stage. The additional 400 metres-long track, which is a key element to help deliver two trains per hour at peak period, will be installed during a massive programme of work on 13 – 17 October and 20 -24 October.

The extra track creates a passing loop adjacent to Penryn Station to enable two-way movement of trains. Work has also begun at the Penryn station, where its platform will be extended to cope with additional passengers that the new services will bring. Existing signalling system will also be modernised to bring a more reliable service to passengers.

The project, which is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund Convergence Programme, Cornwall County Council and Network Rail, is due to be completed by next Spring to coincide with First Great Western’s new train timetable.

The railway line between Truro and Falmouth is approximately 11 miles long with a running time of slightly more than 20 minutes. However, the interval between each service varies and passengers sometimes have to wait up to two hours for the next train to arrive. The irregularity in services and inconsistency in departure time will be standardised when the time-table changes in 2009.

Over the past ten years, the number of journeys made on this line has increased by 67% with 261,000 journeys made in 2007 alone. Passenger demand is expected to grow further as Truro, Penryn and Falmouth continue to develop.

This improvement scheme also forms a key part of Truro’s integrated transport strategy that includes improvements to all modes.

This vital programme of work (13 – 17 October and 20 – 24 October) has been arranged to coincide with pre-planned line closure organised 18 months in advance, so that service disruption is minimised. In addition, there will also be replacement services for passengers travelling during this period and the updated travel information is now available through National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. Passengers are advised to check their travel time before starting their journey.

After the line re-opens, signalling work between Truro and Penryn will continue over the next six months with no disruption to passengers.

The project is managed by Network Rail and delivered by Amey LG Ltd.