As part of a £61 million investment, Network Rail has improved signalling in Carlisle.

The Kingmoor resignalling project, which began in April 2025, planned to overhaul the 1960s systems to make the line more reliable.

Since then, Contractor Siemens Mobility has replaced 26 traditional bulbs with lightweight LED signal heads and upgraded track and points to accommodate new detection systems installed.

The new detection systems monitor train movements, and the power supply has been overhauled to ensure its reliability long-term.

At Carlisle’s signal box, new control panels have been installed, with new digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room.

CCTV was also upgraded at the Floriston level crossing.

This morning (7th January), the systems went live following a seven-day testing period.

Network Rail has thanked passengers for their patience during this work.

“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.”

Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail Capital Delivery director for the North West and Central region