Network Rail has celebrated the completion of an overhaul of the West Coast Main Line’s signalling system in Carlisle.
The project saw Network Rail invest 61 million GBP into the Kingmoor resignalling project in order to modernise 1960s systems and install new technology.
Work first began in April 2025, and was carried out by Siemens Mobility. Improvements have included the installation of 25 lightweight LED signal heads, new control panels for signallers in the Carlisle signal box, digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room, upgraded CCTV at the Floriston level crossing, new detection systems to monitor train movements, upgrades to track and points for new systems and an overhaul of signalling power supplies.
The new systems officially went live on Wednesday 07 January following a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for final installation, testing and commissioning.
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.
