The line between Par and Newquay in Cornwall will close next week so that engineers can lay new track and install signalling.

Two possessions have been arranged in connection with development of the £56 million Mid Cornwall Metro. Trains from Newquay will replaced by buses to St Austell.

The first closure begins on 18 November and will run until 1 December. Engineers have just completed a new platform at Newquay and they will now lay the platform line and install points. The platform is intended for local trains and will be shorter than the existing one, which can take full-length Intercity Expresses.

Trains will be replaced by buses again between 24 February and 23 March so that a passing loop can be built at Tregoss Moor, between Roche and St Columb Road stations.

These works will allow the Par-Newquay line to carry an hourly service from May as well as daily intercity trains during the summer.

The line opened to passengers in 1876 but was severely rationalised by British Rail in the 1980s, which also singled 9km of the main line between St Austell and Truro as another economy measure. That section was redoubled in 2004, and now the main cutbacks on the Newquay line are also being reversed. The traditional tokens protecting single line sections will be replaced by axle counters, and two level crossings in suburban Newquay will soon be closed to vehicles following completion of a new road bridge.

Further ahead, the hourly local train service from Newquay is due to be extended to St Austell, Truro and Falmouth by 2026.

Network Rail industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said: ‘This is the first of two major pieces of work we need to complete on the Newquay branch line. We’ve got a new platform ready and now we need to lay new track to reach it.

‘We’re sorry for the disruption but working this way is the fastest route to bring the benefits of Mid Cornwall Metro to passengers.’

GWR’s station manager for West Cornwall Sharon Holloway added: ‘This improvement work forms part of wider plans to enhance services for those choosing to travel by rail across Cornwall.

‘During these dates, trains will still run between Plymouth and Penzance at Par station with replacement buses running between St Austell and Newquay.’