Rail services on the West Coast Main Line have been made more reliable after a major upgrade to Carlisle's signalling system was completed and brought into use.

Network Rail has invested £61 million in the Kingmoor resignalling scheme, replacing 1960s-era equipment with modern technology. The project, led by principal contractor Siemens Mobility, began in April 2025.

The work has delivered 26 lightweight LED signal heads to replace traditional bulbs, new train detection systems, upgrades to track and points, an overhaul of signalling power supplies, new control panels for signallers in Carlisle signal box, digital operating systems in the signal box relay room, and upgraded CCTV at Floriston levelcrossing.

All systems were switched on today (Wednesday 7 January) following a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie to complete final installation, testing and commissioning. Passengers affected by the New Year works have been thanked for their patience.

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.

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"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, 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."

The Kingmoor scheme was one of dozens of improvements delivered between London and Cumbria over the festive period, including a £26m renewal of Hanslope Junction in Buckinghamshire, signalling upgrades at Preston Station, platform works at Milton Keynes and Wolverton, a £5.4m bridge strengthening project in Stafford, and track upgrades at Roade in Northamptonshire.

One major West Coast Main Line job continues: the demolition and rebuilding of a 130-metre railway bridge over the M6 near Penrith. Phase one, removing the 1960s structure, took place last weekend, with a new 4,200-tonne bridge due to be moved into position this coming weekend.

As a result, the line remains closed between Oxenholme and Carlisle until Wednesday 15 January. Rail replacement buses are operating on this section, while Avanti West Coast services are diverting from Preston via the Settle to Carlisle line.

Chris Liptrot, Avanti West Coast operations director, said: "We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while Network Rail carried out these improvements, which will help make journeys more reliable. We're also incredibly grateful to The Salvation Army and their volunteers for providing a welcoming stop at Lockerbie.

"As work to replace the rail bridge at Clifton continues, anyone travelling between the North West and Carlisle, and Scotland, up to and including 14 January is reminded to plan ahead, as well as check before they travel."