A once-in-a-generation signalling upgrade in Carlisle has entered service, marking a major milestone in improving reliability on the West Coast Main Line for both passenger and freight operators.
Network Rail has completed the £61m Kingmoor resignalling project, replacing life-expired 1960s technology with modern, digitally enabled systems designed to support the long-term performance of this critical section of the network.
Delivered by principal contractor Siemens Mobility, the programme represents one of the most significant signalling investments in the area for decades, strengthening capability through Carlisle and on routes north into Scotland.
The scope of the work has been extensive, including:
- 26 lightweight LED signal heads replacing traditional filament-based units
- New train detection systems to improve the monitoring of train movements
- Upgrades to track and points to support the new signalling technology
- A full overhaul of signalling power supplies
- New control panels for signallers in Carlisle signal box
- Digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room
- Upgraded CCTV at Floriston level crossing
The final stage of the programme was completed during a planned seven-day closure between Carlisle and Lockerbie, allowing teams to safely install, test and commission the new equipment. All systems were brought into use yesterday, following successful testing and sign-off.
Passengers affected by the New Year closure have been thanked for their patience, with Network Rail underlining the long-term operational and performance benefits that the work will now deliver.
Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail Capital Delivery director for the North West and Central region, said:
“Today is the start of a new era for the way we signal freight and passenger trains through Carlisle and north into Scotland. This major investment, using the latest technology, benefits both passengers and freight, getting people and goods to where they need to be more smoothly and reliably on this crucial section of railway.
“We know this has brought disruption for passengers at the start of 2026, and we’d like to thank you for bearing with us while we made these essential upgrades, which will improve journeys for years to come.”
For rail operators and frontline teams, the new systems are expected to offer increased reliability, improved asset condition monitoring and a more resilient railway, particularly on a route that carries a high volume of long-distance passenger services and strategic freight flows.
Siemens Mobility highlighted the project as a key step in modernising the West Coast Main Line and preparing it for future technologies.
Matt Kent, director of operations and manufacturing, rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility UK&I, said:
“We are proud to have partnered with Network Rail to successfully deliver the Kingmoor resignalling project, a key milestone in our mission to transform rail travel and transport on the West Coast Main Line.
"This extensive signalling upgrade includes state-of-the-art digital trackside equipment, fully compatible with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards to enable future integration. These enhancements will help future-proof the line, delivering enhanced reliability and efficiency for both passengers and freight.”
With Kingmoor now commissioned, the upgrade provides a more robust platform for day-to-day operations while aligning the route with longer-term signalling and digital railway strategies. For the workforce maintaining and operating the railway, it marks a decisive move away from legacy systems and towards a more sustainable, high-performing future for this vital stretch of the national network.
Image and Video credits: Network Rail
