Siemens Mobility has won a £41.4m contract to deliver the Kingmoor resignalling scheme, which will help transform travel on the West Coast Main Line.
Awarded by Network Rail, the scheme will deliver an update to equipment that has been in use since the 1980s and modernise the legacy signalling system in the Kingmoor area.
The area, just North of Carlisle, will see the upgrade of signalling equipment to Siemens Mobility’s state-of-the-art Trackguard Westlock computer-based interlocking, along with its Westrace Trackside System. The system, designed in York and manufactured in Chippenham, has a lower whole-life cost and faster processing speeds, meaning better reliability.
On completion, the scheme will increase the reliability of passenger and freight services in the North West region and will pave the way for the implementation of digital signalling in the future.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further implement our modern signalling solution which has already proved itself in the UK, providing more reliable and more frequent journeys for passengers, says Rob Morris, Managing Director, Rail Infrastructure for Siemens Mobility. He continues: “We are transforming rail travel and transport for people across the UK, supporting the economy as well as delivering key environmental benefits. I’m proud that we’re bringing the skills and jobs in York and Chippenham to deliver the project.”
Additionally, work to Carlisle Power Signal Box will also see software updates to its panels, further reducing the need for new equipment and minimising the project's carbon footprint.
By using the skills of the 250 people in York combined with its testing and manufacturing unit in Chippenham, the integration of the technology will be virtually tested first, meaning fewer people will be required on-site and right first-time delivery will be assured. This delivers full safety and ensures that the impact on the railway and its neighbours is also kept to a minimum during upgrades.
Currently, work is being done on the full system design, and the final commissioning is scheduled for January 2026 during a six-day blockade.
