Passengers travelling through Cornwall can now look forward to more reliable and efficient journeys, thanks to a significant upgrade of the historic Ponts Mill viaduct near St Blazey.
The 152-year-old structure, which carries the Newquay branch line over the River Par, has undergone significant strengthening to ensure its safety and reliability for years to come.
Previously, a 10mph speed limit was in place as a precaution, leading to longer journey times and increased fuel use as trains had to slow down and speed up when crossing the viaduct. Although temporary repairs were made in March 2024, a more comprehensive upgrade was needed.
Now, following extensive engineering work, the speed restriction has been lifted and trains are once again running at the full line speed of 30mph.
During a planned closure of the railway in March, engineers removed the old timber decks and replaced them with new steel ones. The bridge girders were also reinforced, and the track infrastructure—including rails, sleepers, and ballast—was completely renewed. Two 60-tonne cranes were used to lift and install the heavy materials.
With the viaduct now fully strengthened, both passenger and freight trains, including those serving the nearby mineral site, can cross without slowing down, improving efficiency and reducing delays.
Work is still ongoing to repaint the steel sections of the viaduct and carry out stonework repairs on its three columns and two abutments, ensuring the structure remains in top condition.
Network Rail Programme Manager Dan Parkes said:
“This has been a major programme to not only protect the Newquay branch line but to preserve an historic structure.
“We’re grateful to the local community for their patience while we completed the work.”
Image credits: Network Rail
