Significant engineering activity is taking place on the East Coast Main Line over the weekend of 22–23 November, as the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) enters a critical phase of testing.
A substantial stretch of railway south of Peterborough towards London will be closed to facilitate the installation and testing of cutting-edge digital signalling technology. The work will focus on the Hertfordshire corridor between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, where new equipment is being trialled under the £1.4 billion ECDP initiative.
This landmark programme is set to transform operations on one of the UK’s busiest rail arteries by introducing in-cab digital signalling. The upgrade promises to deliver a more sustainable, safer, and reliable railway for passengers and operators alike.
Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s Head of Access Integration for ECDP, commented:
“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.”
In addition to signalling trials, the weekend will be used to maximise engineering access for other essential upgrades. These include:
- Track renewal at Letchworth Garden City
- Rerailing at Welwyn and Wymondley
- Drainage improvements at Stevenage
The scale of the works means that several operators will adjust their services:
- Grand Central: No services running
- Hull Trains: Amended timetable, operating to/from London St Pancras
- LNER: Rail replacement coaches between Peterborough and Bedford, connecting to services into London St Pancras
- Lumo: Amended service between Edinburgh and Newcastle only
- Thameslink and Great Northern: No trains between Potters Bar and Peterborough/Royston, or between Hertford North and Stevenage
This coordinated effort reflects the industry’s commitment to modernising infrastructure while minimising disruption. Staff and management are encouraged to support passenger communications and operational planning to ensure a smooth transition during this vital upgrade window.
Image and Video credit: Network Rail
