Progress continues on the £1.2 billion East Coast Upgrade as passengers are encouraged not to travel or from London on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, and for a six-day period over Christmas.
The major project will transform journeys between London, the North and Scotland. It will allow for more services on the East Coast Main Line to meet future passenger demand and bring a more modern, reliable railway.
Significant progress has been made in and around King’s Cross, including work towards the re-opening of a disused railway tunnel which will allow more trains to enter and exit the station, as well as improvements to the track and signalling.
In November, Network Rail engineers will install overhead line equipment and make further improvements to the signalling system. This work can only be done safely when there are no trains in the area.
The following changes to services will be in place over the weekend:
- LNER services to/from the north will start/end at Peterborough. Rail replacement coaches will run between Peterborough and Bedford, where passengers can use Thameslink or East Midlands Railway services to/from London St Pancras.
- No Grand Central services will run between Bradford/York and London King’s Cross on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November.
- Hull Trains is operating an amended service to/from London St Pancras on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November.
Also, there will be a reduced service running on the East Coast Main line over this weekend, and two additional weekends in November, as work takes place to improve and replace sections of track. On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, as well as on Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, trains between Doncaster and Peterborough will be diverted via Lincoln, which will extend journey times.
Passengers who still need to travel to London over these dates are advised to check National Rail Enquires, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or with their train operator and allow plenty of time.
Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This work which is taking place over weekends in November is a vital part of the East Coast Upgrade. The project will bring a more modern, reliable railway for passengers.
“We are making as much progress as possible without disrupting services, but work on the overhead line equipment and improvements to the signalling system can only be carried out safely when there are no trains in the area.
“We thank passengers for their continued patience and strongly advise those who need to travel to or from London to check their journey and allow plenty of time.”
Image: Network Rail
