WEEKEND ECML DISRUPTION FOR ETCS TESTING
Published at 00:01 on Monday 11th November 2024
Tags: ECTS, Network Rail, Grand Central, Great Northern, ECML
A view showing the ETCS signalling screen in the Great Northern Class 717s, which will replace the lineside signals seen through the cab window. Great Northern
Passengers are being advised of disruption to services on the East Coast Main Line at the end of November, as work takes place to test the new European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line.
The £1.4 billion-pound East Coast Digital Programme will replace lineside signals with in-cab equipment. On 30th November and 1st December, further testing will take place of the recently installed system between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, but to allow this to be carried out under controlled conditions, the railway has to be closed in and around the affected section. This is part of ongoing preparations for trains to run on this route using digital signalling from the end of next year. The ETCS testing planned for this two day period will involve a Great Northern Class 717 and a Grand Central Class 180 passenger train. The testing and proving procedures will continue over the next 12 months
As a result, there will be no Thameslink or Great Northern trains between Potters Bar and St Neots, Potters Bar and Royston, or between Hertford North and Stevenage on either day. Grand Central services are suspended, while Hull Trains will operate a reduced service to and from London St Pancras International. Most LNER services will start from/terminate at Peterborough, with a small number continuing to St Neots, while Lumo will operate from Edinburgh to either Newcastle or Peterborough.
