Network Rail has announced that major testing work under the GBP 1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) will take place over the weekend of 22–23 November, affecting Thameslink, Great Northern, and long-distance services between London and Peterborough.
The testing, which marks another milestone in the rollout of in-cab digital signalling, will require the closure of a large section of the railway south of Peterborough towards London.
Testing part of East Coast digital rollout
Work will be centred in Hertfordshire, between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, where new digital signalling equipment is being installed and tested. The programme is replacing traditional lineside signals with modern, cab-based displays that provide drivers with real-time information directly inside the train.
This technology, part of the European Train Control System (ETCS), will make journeys greener, safer and more reliable, according to Network Rail.
The weekend tests will include train transitions in and out of the digitally controlled area and development of trackside equipment to support the new signalling system.
Additional works to maximise the closure
Network Rail teams will also take advantage of the closure to complete other essential maintenance, including:
- Track renewal at Letchworth Garden City
- Re-railing at Welwyn and Wymondley
- Drainage improvements at Stevenage
Significant travel changes and bus replacements
The engineering work will lead to substantial timetable alterations across the network.
- No Thameslink or Great Northern services will run between Potters Bar and Peterborough/Royston, or between Hertford North and Stevenage.
- Grand Central services will be suspended for the weekend.
- Hull Trains will operate an amended timetable, running to and from London St Pancras instead of King’s Cross.
- LNER passengers will travel via rail replacement coaches between Peterborough and Bedford, connecting with trains to London St Pancras.
- Lumo will operate an amended service between Edinburgh and Newcastle only.
Replacement bus services will be available on several routes, including Hitchin–Royston, Bedford–Peterborough, Potters Bar–Hitchin, and Hertford North–Stevenage, among others.
Before 09:40 on Sunday 23 November, additional buses will replace trains between Finsbury Park and Stevenage via Hertford North.
Testing new ETCS-equipped trains
The testing programme will use a Great Northern Class 717 commuter train, recently upgraded to the latest version of ETCS, alongside a Grand Central Class 180 passenger train. Two Class 717 units are expected to run simultaneously under ETCS during the weekend to verify system performance and reliability.
“A key step towards a digital railway”
Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s Head of Access Integration for the ECDP, said:
“The work taking place, including further testing, is a further part of our preparations for the introduction of digital in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line.
“Its gradual introduction in the coming years will make the railway fit for the future and provide more reliable and greener services for passengers. We are also taking the opportunity to carry out vital work at other East Coast locations during the same weekend.
“There is never a good time to close the railway but late November is a relatively quiet period, and gets the work done before the imminent pre-Christmas weeks. We encourage passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel, and thank them for their patience and understanding of this work.”
A train operators’ spokesperson added:
“We will be working hard to keep passengers on the move while this essential engineering work takes place. Rail replacement bus services and revised timetables will be in place to help people reach their destinations, and we’re encouraging everyone to check before they travel.”
Next stage in a GBP 1.4bn transformation
The East Coast Digital Programme will eventually introduce digital signalling across the southern section of the East Coast Main Line, from London King’s Cross to Stoke Tunnel, south of Grantham.
Once complete, it will improve punctuality, reduce signal failures, and support more sustainable operations by allowing trains to run closer together safely — a core element of Network Rail’s digital transformation strategy.
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