The South Rail Systems Alliance has delivered a significant project as part of Cornwall County Council’s Mid Cornwall Metro integrated transport solution.
New Infrastructure at Newquay Station
With a primary focus on rejuvenating the disused platform two and doubling station capabilities, along with the supporting infrastructure at Newquay station to accommodate the additional train services from Newquay to Par station, this included the new track, switches and crossings, retaining walls, along with a buffer stop and road rail access point (RRAP).
While the Signalling scope of works around Newquay station included:
- One Telecoms Cabinet
- One Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Cubicle
- One Type 6 Relocatable Equipment Building (REB)
- One Static Invertor
- One Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Cabinet
- Two OFF Indicators
- Three Signal Post Telephones (SPT)
- Four Colour Light Signals
Platform 2 was re-built and new track installed with other works completed at Newquay Station that included New Lighting Columns, a Waiting Shelter, Customer Information Screens, Speakers, CCTV and an Emergency Gate.
Giving More To Goss Moor
To handle the additional traffic, our team completed further work along the Newquay branch line, with significant upgrades at Goss Moor, that included a new 400 metre passing loop, a 40m Sheet Pile retaining wall and RRAP.
Goss Moor also received signalling and power upgrades in the form of six new colour light signals, four new SPTs, a new UPS cabinet, a DNO and a new Type 6 REB.
Going Above and Beyond at Goonbarrow
Upgrades were also undertaken at Goonbarrow Signal Box, with block shelf alterations, new signalling and axle counter panels, a new illuminated diagram, a Type 6 and Type 9 REB, a new UPS Cabinet and route relay interlocking system installed.
Signalling The Changes at St Blazey Signal Box
Another Signal Box receiving an overhaul was St Blazey Signal Box, which also received block shelf alterations, a new illuminated diagram and track circuit alterations.
Signalling upgrades were also completed on the rail network at St Blazey, with a new colour light signal, two new signal head conversions and a new SPT.
Levelling the Playing Field
Level Crossings across the Cornwall area also received upgrades and alterations, with four new Open Miniature Stop Lights (OMSL) at Trencreek, Chapel, Tresithney and Fancy. Solomons Crossing was upgraded to a Miniature Stop Light installation.
Other Level Crossings received alterations, with Treloggan receiving a pedestrian light relocation, power alterations at Molinnis, new gates were installed at Rockwork and Menadue received a telephone supervision change.
Ensuring Environmental Control
Throughout the works programme, measures were put in place to protect and mitigate disturbance to local wildlife, this included ecologist supervisors on site and getting the necessary licences, creating habitats and scheduling works around their behaviours to avoid disruption.
The team also rehomed local reptiles, including slow worms, grass snakes, frogs and toads while adding reptile-proof fencing to ensure they are protected while works were undertaken.
Vegetation management was also undertaken for Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam.
Speaking on the success of the SRSA, Project Director, Shaun Hodges said “Absolutely delighted to play our part in the delivery of this scheme, from the design and delivery teams in the SRSA, to our partners, our supply chain, the Network Rail Sponsor and Operations through to the Newquay Station team.”
First published: 27th August 2026