Passengers travelling between St Ives and St Erth in Cornwall are being urged to plan ahead in the new year as essential work is carried out on the branch line.

From Monday 5 to Sunday 18 January 2026, Network Rail will install 2,140 yards of new rail, sleepers and ballast to keep services operating safely and reliably for the long term.

During this period, trains will not run and customers should use local bus services instead. Rail tickets will be accepted on First Kernow routes 17 and 17A, which stop outside St Erth station and run to St Ives via Carbis Bay.

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The work follows last month's opening of a new accessible footbridge with lifts at St Erth station.

More than 750,000 passengers use the St Erth–St Ives line each year. The route is among Britain's most scenic, following the River Hayle before rising above Carbis Bay and into St Ives.

Stuart Stevens, Network Rail project manager, said: "I'd like to thank passengers for their patience in advance as we undertake this vital work to keep trains running smoothly and reliably for the local community and the many tourists who travel towards St Ives every year.

"Please make sure to check before travelling as we complete this work and allow extra time to complete your journey."