RAIL passengers will face disruption this month as the network gears up for new trains to arrive on Cornish tracks.

New Intercity express trains designed for Devon and Cornwall will bring up to 24% more seats and reduce journeys to and from Penzance to London by up 14 minutes from this summer, says GWR.

But to prepare the ground, Network Rail is to close the railway west of Truro to Penzance, including the St Ives Line, between March 19 and 22. Buses will replace trains.

Trains will continue to operate between Truro and London Paddington and on the Falmouth branch line.

Network Rail will progress signal upgrade works, track renewals, and will also cap a mine shaft at Scorrier, near Redruth.

Network Rail route managing director Mark Langman said: ‘Upgrades to the signalling and to stations in the South West means GWR will be able to run an additional train every hour between Penzance and Plymouth from January 2019, which will transform rail travel in the south west.’

When complete the Cornwall re-signalling scheme, alongside the delivery of new intercity express trains, will enable GWR to double the number of trains into and out of Cornwall.

For further travel advice and information on the work you can visit www.GWR.com/SWupgrade