Further engineering work is taking place to deliver the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) over the weekend of 24 and 25 June 2023. Passengers intending to travel to and from London King’s Cross and other destinations on the East Coast Main Line via Peterborough, and across Great Northern routes over the weekend of the works are being asked to plan ahead.
The work is helping to prepare what will become the first part of the East Coast Main Line to operate with digital signalling. New equipment and technology is being installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire, preparing the way for that section to begin to use digital signalling from 2025.
The upgrade will provide continuous speed-based signalling through a screen in the driver’s cab. This is aimed at improving performance for passengers, while reducing emissions. The digital technology is already close to being implemented for Great Northern passenger services between Finsbury Park and Moorgate in London.
Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor, ECDP said: “We’ve made good early progress on the Northern City Line, and we’re now preparing the way towards Britain’s first digital signalling on an intercity mainline. Over the coming years this will enable more reliable journeys for the millions of passengers who use the East Coast route.
“We are sorry for the disruption that this work will cause passengers, and thank them for their patience. We advise them to plan ahead and check before they travel.”
Service alterations
- On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June buses will replace trains between St Neots (south of Peterborough), Royston and Potters Bar/Hertford North.
- On Sunday 25 June only, no train services will run between Kings Cross / Moorgate and Potters Bar / Hertford North until approximately 11:00, or after approximately 22:00.
- A reduced LNER service will start and terminate at St Neots or Peterborough, with rail replacement coaches between St Neots and Bedford, where customers can connect to rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras.
- Hull Trains will operate a reduced service via the Midland Main Line. Lumo services will start and finish at Peterborough, with coach services to and from King’s Cross.
- No Grand Central services will run on either the West Riding or Northeast route.*
- Thameslink will operate a limited shuttle service between Peterborough and St Neots. Great Northern trains will run between Royston and Kings Lynn, between Hertford North and Moorgate, and between Potters Bar and King’s Cross. Thameslink will also operate services between Finsbury Park and Brighton/Horsham.
- There will be rail replacement bus services from selected Great Northern stations, but queuing systems will be in place and journeys will take significantly longer.
“This work is essential to giving passengers better, even more sustainable services in the future,” said Jenny Saunders, Thameslink and Great Northern customer services director.
“However, regrettably, there will be significant disruption on this June weekend so please do check ahead and allow more time.”
Image credit: Network Rail
