Final phase of signal upgrades in Devon and Cornwall get underway
It's set to provide a more reliable railway
Last updated 27th Feb 2024
The final phase of Devon and Cornwall signalling upgrades gets underway and are set to provide a more reliable railway.
The 13 days of round-the-clock work in Cornwall will begin today (27/02) and are due to be completed on Sunday 10 March.
Work then resumes near Plymouth from Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 March.
Signals on the railway line are set to be replaced with a new digital system that will improve the reliability and safety of the railway.
The new digital technology will also allow for real-time information to be provided to passengers.
The work is the third stage of a major programme to transform how trains run in the region. In this final phase of work, the new system will be brought into use and control moved to the regional signalling centre at Exeter, for Cornwall, and the Devon section to Plymouth.
The project will see a team of more than 100 people work across the 50-mile site to install new equipment that will ease congestion at Truro, remove redundant equipment, and lay new track, sleepers and ballast. Work will also take place to complete new level crossings at Truro and Lostwithiel that will improve safety and reduce delays on the railway.
The new signals in Cornwall are due to come into use on Monday 11 March, with Devon following on Friday 22 March.
GWR is asking passengers to check their journeys before travelling, with buses replacing trains on routes over these dates:
Tuesday 27 February to Sunday 3 March – line closed between St Austell and St Erth (including the branch line to Falmouth Docks)
Monday 4 to Friday 8 March – line closed between Liskeard and St Erth (including branch lines to Newquay and Falmouth Docks)
Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 March – line closed between Plymouth and St Erth (including branch lines to Looe, Newquay and Falmouth Docks)
Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 March – line closed between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth
Monday 18 to Thursday 21 March – line closed between Totnes and Plymouth (extending to Exeter St Davids after 21:40 each night)
GWR Station Manager for West Cornwall Sharon Holloway said:
“This vital improvement work is being conducted in two phases over the next few weeks, first in Cornwall between St Austell and Penzance and then affecting trains through Devon from Plymouth through to Exeter.
“If you are travelling during the period, please check in advance at GWR.com, especially if you are travelling regularly, as replacement buses will be in operation, and your journey may be different on different days.
“Thank you in advance for your patience while Network Rail carry out this significant work.”
You can find out more information on the GWR website.