HOME TO CREAM TEAS, PASTIES – AND A RAFT OF FINE RAILWAY PROJECTS. JAMES ABBOTT REPORTS FROM THE ROYAL DUCHY
Cornwall is a railway success story. In the 21st century a series of investments has been made in the Duchy that have steadily improved the network: n redoubling of the main line between Probus and Burngullow in 2004;
■ a new passing loop at Penryn on the Falmouth branch in 2009;
■ a £14 million refurbishment of the sleeper and a £22 million upgrading of the depot at Long Rock; and now
■ extra signals on the main line and an intermodal interchange at St Erth.
‘We’re the biggest local authority client for Network Rail after the Welsh Assembly, while for Great Western Railway we’re the biggest client after the Department for Transport’ says Nigel Blackler, Service Director – Transport & Infrastructure with Cornwall Council and a passionate supporter of the county’s railway.
The investment has paid off with steadily rising patronage. The 4.5 million journeys on the main line in 2018 were double what they were two decades prior. The branches, too, have enjoyed more popularity, with the Falmouth branch in particular doing well since the opening of the passing loop at Penryn allowed institution of a half-hourly service.
