On 19 January, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced new funding that will enable Network Rail to deliver transformational rail projects in the South West of England.
Nearly 50 million GBP will be invested in Cornwall to create a direct train service connecting Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth. This project will also create better walking and cycling access to stations.
Meanwhile, in Devon, 13.5 million GBP will be used to construct a new railway station on the eastern edge of Okehampton, along with cycle facilities and EV charging points.
These enhancements will build upon ongoing work to transform Network Rail’s Western route. In recent years, this has included the electrification of the Great Western Main Line and the opening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton.
“We are delighted more funding has been made available to transform the railway in the south west.
“Newquay’s peak summer season sees the population grow from 20,000 to over 100,000, making it the top destination in Cornwall. The railway needs this investment to better cope with this seasonal growth in demand.
“The Dartmoor line has surpassed expectations so further investment will build on this success by further improving connectivity for this part of the region. We look forward to working with UK Government, GWR and other partners to deliver these transformational schemes.”
