More East Coast Digital Programme work planned in February

Credit: Network Rail

Further engineering work is taking place to deliver the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) throughout February. The ECDP is a transformation using state-of-the-art digital technology that will provide continuous speed-based signalling through a screen in the driver’s cab. This work is aimed at improving reliability and providing a better and greener service for passengers.

A new signalling system is being commissioned in the Wood Green – New Barnet area of North London over 18 and 19 February 2023, preparing the area for digital signalling while replacing existing life expired equipment.

New equipment and technology is also being installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire, a section of route which will eventually become the first part of the East Coast Main Line to operate with digital signalling.

“The work taking place is an important step in this transformational programme to create a digitally signalled East Coast Main Line,” Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor for ECDP, said. “It will enable us to progress towards a digital future while delivering more reliability in the present.”

“We recognise this important work will see some changes to our timetable over the 18 and 19 February,” David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said. “The East Coast Digital Programme is taking our railway into a digital age and will bring long-term benefits for our customers by making journeys even greener and more reliable, while also enabling our Azuma fleet of trains to realise their full potential.” 

“There is no doubt that in the long term, the ECDP will be extremely beneficial for our customers, improving reliability and green credentials of services along the East Coast,” Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo and Hull Trains, said. “We are working closely with rail operators to mitigate the impact to our customers but do apologise for any disruption that may be caused.”

“This work is good news because, in the long term, digital signalling will give our customers better, more reliable journeys,” Jenny Saunders, Thameslink and Great Northern Customer Services Director, said. “However, I do recognise that on 18 and 19 February, journeys will take much longer. Thank you in advance for your patience while this vital work takes place.”