Testing begins on new digital signalling for Northern City Line

Credit: Network Rail

The testing of a new digital signalling on the Northern City Line has commenced with the running of the first Great Northern train between Finsbury Park and Moorgate under the new system (see image at the bottom of the page). The testing is carried out with a Great Northern Class 717 train and marks an important milestone in the East Coast Digital Programme, which will ultimately see traditional signals removed from the tracks along this route.  Digital signalling reduces delays and enables a more reliable service for passengers.

The first test train ran in the early hours on 29 May 2022. An ongoing intensive period of testing will ensure that the train fleet, already fitted with the necessary technology, works well with the new digital signalling infrastructure that will communicate directly with the trains cab. Testing is taking place overnight and weekends to minimise disruption to passengers as much as possible. The process continues throughout 2022 to ensure complete assurance of its safety and reliability, with driver training and migration to digital signalling operations due to commence in early 2023. The Northern City Line is expected to operate solely using digital signalling in 2024.

“The running of the first Northern City Line train in digital signalling as part of the test campaign is a big moment for the East Coast Digital Programme, this is the first step to migration following the successful upgrade of the system earlier in May which will change the way the railway works to deliver a more reliable service,” Toufic Machnouk, Director, Industry Partnership for Digital Railway at Network Rail, said. “We are working in close partnership with Great Northern and Siemens to deliver the extensive testing required to ensure we can proceed to the next stage of transforming this route into the capital.”

“We’re thrilled with this landmark use of digital signalling along our route to Moorgate,” Oly Turner, Head of ERTMS at Govia Thameslink Railway, said. “Working with Network Rail and Siemens, we prepped carefully for this day, and it was rewarding to see the train perform well. I’m looking forward to proving the system in time for driver training to begin next year.”

“This project is a prime example of how sustainable investment in digital technology can unlock benefits and support growth in the UK economy and we’re proud to be a part of it, bringing technology, people, skills, and our UK supply chain to transform the everyday journeys of passenger and freight, and the communities along the line,” Mark Ferrer, Operations Director of Technology and Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, said. “Working collaboratively with Network Rail and GTR we were able to achieve this milestone, bringing us one step closer to delivering a next generation railway.”

Credit: Network Rail – The new digital signalling equipment which is being trialled on the Northern City Line.