Residents in Cornwall are being invited to find out more information about future railway capacity improvement work in the region.

The two-phase Cornwall Capacity Enabling Scheme will see a total of 21 additional signals installed to improve reliability on the railway, while six level crossings will be upgraded and fitted with Miniature Signal Lights (MSL). The first phase is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.

Network Rail said the project, which forms part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, will improve safety at crossings which currently operate as 'stop, look, listen' and crossings which require permission from the signaller to use.


A series of drop-in sessions will take place next week to provide local residents with additional information about the scheme. These events will take place on;

• Monday, 22 January, 4.30pm-7.30pm - Carne Brea Village Hall, Trevingey, TR15 3BJ

• Wednesday, 24 January, 4.30pm–7.30pm - Treleigh Parochial Church Hall, TR16 4AY

• Thursday, 25 January, 4.30pm-7.30pm – The Pattern Hall, Foundry Parc, Charlestown Road, St Austell PL25 3FW

• Friday, 26 January, 4.30pm-7.30pm - Pengegon Institute Community Hall, Dolcoath, TR14 8RX

Huw Edwards, Project Director for Network Rail, said: "I'd encourage all local residents who would like to discuss this work to come along and talk to the project team to find out more about what it will entail and the benefits it will bring.

"The Cornwall Capacity Scheme, taking place as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, will not only improve train service in the region with an additional train service between Plymouth and Penzance, but will also improve pedestrian safety at level crossings."

(LM/MH)