Buses will replace trains on the Maritime Line between Truro, Penryn and Falmouth for two weeks starting on Monday November 29 to allow the work to be undertaken by Network Rail.

Nearly two miles of the 12 mile branch line will be relayed, sleepers and timbers will be replaced at various locations along the line and vegetation will be cut back.

More than one mile of track in being renewed in the Perran area, between Perranwell and Penryn stations, with two thirds of a mile around Penmere station, Falmouth.

The bus replacement service will mirror the train service frequency but journey times will be extended, with the end to end journey time between Truro and Falmouth Docks being an hour by bus as opposed to the normal 24 minutes by train. Passengers are advised to check times before travelling by visiting www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.

Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, which works to promote the line, said “This major improvement work is a further big investment in the Maritime Line and one that will stand the line in good stead for decades to come. Of course, it is a pity that buses will need to replace trains for two weeks to allow this to happen but unfortunately there is no other way and the short time pain will definitely mean long term gain.”

The work will reassure those who had doubts as to the future of the popular branch line, used by communters and visitors alike.