Monday 15 Dec 2025
Passengers in Cornwall advised to plan ahead as track upgrade work takes place next month
- Region & Route:
- Wales & Western: Western
Passengers travelling between St Ives and St Erth in Cornwall are being advised to plan their journeys in advance in the new year as vital track upgrade work takes place.
From Monday 5 to Sunday 18 January 2026, 2,140 yards of new rail, sleepers and ballast (track stone) will be installed to keep trains running safely and reliably long into the future.
Bus replacement services will be in place throughout the duration of this work. Passengers need to use local buses, for which rail tickets will be accepted. Buses 17 and 17A stop outside St Erth station and run to St Ives via Carbis Bay.
The work follows the opening of a new accessible footbridge with lifts at St Erth station last month.
More than 750,000 passengers use the railway between St Erth and St Ives every year. One of the most scenic railways in Great Britain, the route runs alongside the River Hayle before climbing above Carbis Bay and onto St Ives.
Stuart Stevens, Network Rail project manager, said:
“I'd like to thank passengers for their patience in advance as we undertake this vital work to keep trains running smoothly and reliably for the local community and the many tourists who travel towards St Ives every year.
"Please make sure to check before travelling as we complete this work and allow extra time to complete your journey."
Lee Goodson, GWR station manager for West Cornwall, said:
“This work forms part of an ongoing improvement programme to ensure the continued reliability of an important rail link in Cornwall.
“Instead of replacement buses, customers with a valid rail ticket can use this to travel on the number 17/17A bus operated by First Kernow between Penzance, St Erth and St Ives.
“Please note, unlike rail replacement services, the number 17/17A does not stop outside the railway stations for Carbis Bay, Lelant or Lelant Saltings.
“It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
ENDS
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