Engineering work on the Newquay to Par branch line is set to continue until Tuesday 18 November, with buses replacing trains while the final phase of the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) project is completed.

The work includes the introduction of a new digital signalling system and the addition of a second platform at Newquay, improvements that were originally scheduled to be completed by 8 November. Additional time is now required to complete testing of the new signals.

Buses are running in place of trains between Newquay and St Austell, with passengers at Par advised to take trains to St Austell and transfer to buses towards Newquay. Services from Par to Plymouth and Penzance remain unaffected.

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Once complete, the upgrades will allow an hourly service between Newquay and Par from next year, more than doubling the current frequency. The improvements will also enable a direct link from Newquay to Falmouth via Par, St Austell, and Truro, and Newquay will have two operational platforms for the first time since 1987.

MCM is funded by the Government and Cornwall Council, with delivery led by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR.

Network Rail's Industry Programme Director Bogdan Lupu said: "We're really sorry to passengers for the extended delay. Signalling is the most complex work we undertake on the railway and unfortunately we need longer than planned to complete the required testing. Safety is always our number one priority and we can only reopen the railway when the signals have been thoroughly tested and are ready to use.

"Passengers planning to travel between Newquay and Par are advised to plan their journeys in advance at GWR.com as replacement bus services will be in place, meaning journey times may be extended."