VolkerRail has successfully replaced a life‑expired signalling gantry at Carnforth station as part of the Tranche 6 programme of works on the West Coast Main Line.
Signalling assets PN291 and PN292 were replaced with a new twin‑track cantilever structure, and modern LED, maintenance‑free signal heads. These upgrades are designed to improve reliability, reduce ongoing maintenance requirements and support safer, more resilient journeys for passengers using the route.
As part of this major signalling upgrade, VolkerRail also replaced two additional signal structures further along the line and completed enabling works to support future signalling activity in the Morecambe area.
The works were delivered during a 54‑hour possession, with teams working around the clock to safely remove the ageing infrastructure and install the new signalling assets.
Jamie Turner, senior project manager at VolkerRail, said: “This work replaces life‑expired equipment with modern, maintenance‑free signalling assets, improving performance and reliability for passengers. By making the most of the access available, we were also able to deliver additional renewals and prepare the railway for future improvements.”
The Carnforth upgrade forms part of a wider £30 million signalling programme. Over the next two and a half years, the programme will see VolkerRail renew up to 100 signalling assets across the North West of England.
The programme is being delivered collaboratively with Network Rail, and focuses on replacing ageing infrastructure with more efficient, modern technology to help maintain performance on this key section of the rail network.