Billion-pound plans to improve rail travel to and from London have progressed further with critical work taking place over the weekend to prepare for a digital future.
The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) will create a more reliable railway with lower emissions by introducing digital technology to improve the efficient movement of trains. Traditional lineside signals will be replaced by continuous signalling information to a screen in the driver’s cab.
Over the weekend (24-25 June), new equipment and technology was installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire, preparing the way for trains to begin using digital signalling in that area from 2025. Work undertaken included the installation of a tall radio communications mast and preparatory power and telecommunications work at 63 locations.
Ed Akers, Network Rail’s principal programme sponsor, ECDP, said: “The work carried out this weekend provides more progress towards a digital East Coast railway that will work better for all who depend on it.
“I thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this important work. Digital signalling will enable a more capable railway, providing more reliable passenger and freight services while reducing carbon emissions.”
Jenny Saunders, Thameslink and Great Northern Customer Services Director, added: “Work like this is essential but, sadly, also disruptive for our customers. We do our very best to keep everyone on the move but it would have been a lot harder for many to travel this past weekend, so thank you for your patience.”
Linda Wain, LNER Engineering Director, commented: “The East Coast Digital Programme is one of the biggest transformations on the railway – bringing it into a digital age. This vital investment in digital signalling will enable LNER’s Azuma fleet to realise its full potential and we are proud to be working with our industry partners to bring long-term benefits for customers.”
The next set of ECDP upgrade work will affect services from the late evening of Saturday 26 August to early morning of Bank Holiday Monday 28 August. Full journey details will be available shortly on nationalrail.co.uk and operator websites.
Image credit: Network Rail
