Train services in west Cornwall will be disrupted this week whilst Network Rail carries out track maintenance.

Work means that some train services cancelled or running to amended times; where appropriate rail-replacement buses will be provided.

Where the main line remains open, amended train services will operate with roughly one train per hour in each direction.

Long-distance services from London Paddington to Devon and most of Cornwall will continue to operate. Replacement buses will connect with trains, adding up to 50 minutes to journey times.

Some train departure times will also be changed, and passengers are advised to check beforehand. Services will continue to run on the Falmouth branch line but up to 10 minutes earlier than usual.

Until Thursday, 16 December work will take place in the Redruth area, which will affect services between Truro and Penzance. the work will be extended to include the St Ives Bay line. Buses will replace trains from Truro to Penzance throughout this period, whilst until 16 December buses will operate between St Erth and St Ives.

Mark Chorley, GWR Regional Station Manager, West, said:

“We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, and replacement buses where trains cannot operate.

“This work is important to ensure we can continue to maintain and improve rail services and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Lee Hildreth, Network Rail’s project manager, said:

“We thank passengers in advance while we carry out these vital upgrades across Cornwall and remind them to check before they travel.

“The improvements represent further investment in the railway in Cornwall following recent signalling upgrades in the South West.”