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Wednesday 7 Jan 2026

New dawn for train traffic control as upgraded railway reopens in Carlisle

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Rail journeys on the West Coast Main Line are now more reliable after a once-in-a-generation overhaul of the signalling system in Carlisle.

Network Rail has invested £61m into the Kingmoor resignalling project to modernise 1960s systems and replace them with newer technology.

The work, which began in April 2025 and has been delivered by principal contractor Siemens Mobility, has seen:

• 26 lightweight LED signal heads replacing traditional bulbs
• New detection systems to monitor train movements
• Upgrades to track and points for the new systems
• Overhaul of signalling power supplies
• New control panels installed for signallers in Carlisle signal box
• Digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room
• Upgraded CCTV at Floriston level crossing

Today (Wednesday 7 January) all systems went live after a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for final installation, testing and commissioning.

Passengers impacted by the New Year closure are being thanked for their patience while this essential work to bring the new systems online 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, 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 project was among dozens of journey improving upgrades between London and Cumbria over the festive season, including:

• A major £26m railway junction renewal in Buckinghamshire
• Signalling system upgrades at Preston Station
• Platform improvements at Milton Keynes and Wolverton stations
• A £5.4m bridge strengthening project in Stafford
• Upgrades to railway track at Roade in Northamptonshire

One major West Coast Main Line project is still underway – the demolition and rebuilding of a 130-metre-long railway bridge over the M6 near Penrith.

Phase one, which saw the removal of the old 1960s structure, took place last weekend with a new 4,200-tonne structure being moved into position this coming weekend.

• Read more: Time-lapse footage released of railway bridge demolition over M6

It means the line is currently closed between Oxenholme and Carlisle until Wednesday 15 January.

Rail replacement buses are keeping people on the move between Oxenholme and Carlisle, while Avanti West Coast is running a diversionary route from Preston on the Settle to Carlisle line.

People are being asked to allow extra time for their journeys and to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel.

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.”

The Christmas and New Year upgrades has seen a combined investment of nearly £200m on the West Coast Main Line, which forms part of a much larger £400m investment over the next four years.

For further updates on all our our West Coast Main Line improvement work you can follow us on X @NetworkRailWCML.

To plan rail journeys in advance please us www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.