| West Coast Mainline £61m Carlisle signal replacement complete - Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:10, 7th January 2026 |     |
From the BBC:
£61m train signal replacement complete
Image not available to guests
A new train signalling system has been installed in Carlisle
A £61m project to upgrade a train signalling system has been completed, on a route which is undergoing a series of upgrades.
The Kingmoor resignalling project on the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle, in Cumbria, has seen 1960s systems modernised, including brighter signal lights and new systems, Network Rail said.
Work began in April, but went live after a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for "final installation, testing and commissioning".
It is as the line between Preston and Carlisle is also closed for the demolition and replacement of the Clifton railway bridge, which is expected to reopen on 15 January.
Network Rail said journeys would be more reliable after the "once-in-a-generation overhaul of the signalling system".
Work carried out by principal contractor Siemens Mobility included:
- 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
Image not available to guests
Brighter LED signals would be easier for train drivers to see, Network Rail said
Buses are running between Oxenholme and Carlisle until 15 January, with a shuttle rail diversion running on the Settle to Carlisle line between Preston and Carlisle.
Meanwhile, the M6 will shut between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith over the weekend, from 20:00 GMT on 9 January to 05:00 on 12 January, so a new bridge can be put in place.
Image not available to guests
A new train signalling system has been installed in Carlisle
A £61m project to upgrade a train signalling system has been completed, on a route which is undergoing a series of upgrades.
The Kingmoor resignalling project on the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle, in Cumbria, has seen 1960s systems modernised, including brighter signal lights and new systems, Network Rail said.
Work began in April, but went live after a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for "final installation, testing and commissioning".
It is as the line between Preston and Carlisle is also closed for the demolition and replacement of the Clifton railway bridge, which is expected to reopen on 15 January.
Network Rail said journeys would be more reliable after the "once-in-a-generation overhaul of the signalling system".
Work carried out by principal contractor Siemens Mobility included:
- 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
Image not available to guests
Brighter LED signals would be easier for train drivers to see, Network Rail said
Buses are running between Oxenholme and Carlisle until 15 January, with a shuttle rail diversion running on the Settle to Carlisle line between Preston and Carlisle.
Meanwhile, the M6 will shut between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith over the weekend, from 20:00 GMT on 9 January to 05:00 on 12 January, so a new bridge can be put in place.
