Media centre

Monday 13 Nov 2023

Trains resume as Network Rail completes key stage of Cornwall signalling upgrade

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail has successfully completed the first major stage of work to modernise railway signals across Cornwall, with passenger train services resuming today after 13 days of round-the-clock work. 

Work took place between Tuesday 31 October and Sunday 12 November to continue replacing signals that have reached the end of their working life with new digital technology. 

Network Rail’s contractor Siemens installed 35,000m of cabling, plus new equipment and carried out testing of the new system while the line was temporarily closed. 

Work has also taken place to upgrade level crossings at Lostwithiel and Truro to improve safety and reduce delays on the railway. 

Conditions were often challenging, with Siemens dealing with Storm Ciaran and wet and windy weather but the work was completed safely and on time. 

A further phase of activity now takes place over Christmas before a final block of work in spring 2024 to bring the new system into operation. 

In between, work is ongoing near Plymouth to renew signals in an area often affected by delays.  

When complete, the new system will improve the reliability and safety of the railway and allow better real-time information to be given to passengers. 

Network Rail sponsor Paul Collyer said: “This has been a productive 13 days as we work to bring signals in Cornwall into the 21st century. 

“We needed to close the railway so our teams could work safely around the clock and we thank passengers for their understanding. 

“We have more hard work ahead of us but when complete, Cornwall will feel the benefits of this project long into the future.”