West Coast Main Line Upgraded After £61m Carlisle Signalling Overhaul
Rail services on the West Coast Main Line are set to run more reliably following a major overhaul of the signalling system in Carlisle.
Network Rail has completed the £61 million Kingmoor resignalling project, replacing equipment dating back to the 1960s with modern digital systems. The work, delivered by Siemens Mobility, began in April 2025 and has involved extensive upgrades to signals, track, and control infrastructure.
Among the improvements are 26 lightweight LED signal heads, new detection systems to monitor train movements, upgraded track and points, overhauled signalling power supplies, and new control panels for signallers in Carlisle signal box. The project also included the installation of digital operating systems in the relay room and enhanced CCTV at Floriston level crossing.
The final phase of the project required a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie, with all systems going live on Wednesday 7 January. Network Rail thanked passengers affected by the New Year disruption for their patience while the work was completed.
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.”
Matt Kent, director of operations and manufacturing, rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility UK&I, added:
“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.”
Image: Network Rail