Engineers fitting new cables as part of the East Coast Digital Programme // Credit: Network Rail
At the end of next month, there will be severe disruption to and from London King’s Cross because of work in connection with the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).
The disruption will take place on Saturday, the 24th and Sunday, the 25th of June, and affect services on the East Coast Main Line via Peterborough and across Great Northern routes.
The East Coast Digital Programme will provide drivers with continuous speed-based signalling on a screen in their cab, and is designed to improve performance and reduce emissions. The system will soon become operational for Great Northern passenger services between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.
The following services will be affected:
On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June:
Rail-replacement buses will run between St. Neots, Royston, and Potters Bar/Hertford North.
On Sunday 25 June only:
- LNER services will be much reduced and will start and terminate at St Neots or Peterborough, and rail-replacement buses will run between St Neots and Bedford, where connections can be made 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 rail-replacement buses services to and from King’s Cross.
- Grand Central services will not run on either the West Riding or Northeast route. Also, on Friday, 23rd June the 17.30 departure from Sunderland to King’s Cross and the 06.46 departure on Monday, 25th June will not run.
- Thameslink will operate a limited shuttle service between Peterborough and St Neots.
- Great Northern trains will run between Royston and Kings Lynn, Hertford North and Moorgate, and Potters Bar and King’s Cross. There will be no train services between Kings Cross / Moorgate and Potters Bar / Hertford North before 11:00 or after 22:00. Rail replacement bus services will be provided from selected Great Northern stations, but journeys will take significantly longer and queuing systems will be in place.
- Thameslink will operate services between Finsbury Park and Brighton/Horsham.
Passengers intending to travel on the affected routes over the weekend should plan ahead and check before they travel at operator websites or at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Further information about the East Coast Digital Programme is available online at www.nextgenerationrailway.co.uk
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.”
Jenny Saunders, Thameslink and Great Northern Customer Services Director, said: “This work is essential to giving passengers better, even more sustainable services in the future, However, regrettably, there will be significant disruption on this June weekend so please do check ahead and allow more time.”
Dr Linda Wain, LNER Engineering Director, said: “At LNER, we are proud to be forefront of the digital transformation of the railway, working with our industry partners to bring long-term benefits for customers.
“This vital investment in digital signalling will enable our Azuma fleet to realise its full potential. LNER Azuma train cabs are already fitted with most of the latest world-class technology in preparation for the upgrade, which will help transform customer journeys by making them even more punctual and more sustainable.”
Martijn Gilbert, Lumo and Hull Trains Managing Director, said: “The long-term benefit of the East Coast Digital Programme is undeniable for our customers, with the reliability of services along the East Coast set to be improved through the introduction of the new digital signalling.
“We would like to apologise for any disruption that may be caused to our customers travelling throughout this time and would like to provide reassurance that we are working closely with Network Rail and fellow train operators to mitigate the impact on travel that the works may cause.”
Sean English, Grand Central Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re pleased to see the next stage of progress taking place on the East Coast mainline, that will bring real benefits to our customers in the future, with quicker and most sustainable journeys.”
