Network Rail is thanking passengers for their patience following several weekends of significant improvement work on the East Coast Main Line, including successful testing of digital signalling equipment.
Over the past two weekends, the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) has successfully completed a full programme of testing ahead of the introduction of digital in-cab signalling to the East Coast Main Line later this year.
Test teams successfully carried out 100 test cases on Sunday 15 February. A full system data update took place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, along with further test cases, including confidence and reliability testing for two-train running, when more than one train can occupy the same section of the line and tests involving temporary speed restrictions. Other checks included assurance of all the different elements of the train control system known as ETCS (European Train Control System).
Over the previous two weekends (from Saturday 31 January), engineers delivered a wide range of essential upgrades, including:
- Track renewal at Finsbury Park, St Neots, Sandy and Offord
- Renewal of switches and crossings (also known as points, which guide trains safely from one line to another) at Hitchin and Woodwalton
- Overhead line equipment upgrades between Sandy and St Neots
- Drainage renewals at Stevenage, Biggleswade and Langford
- Platform upgrade works at Alexandra Palace
Ricky Barsby, Network Rail head of access integration, ECDP, said: “A big thank you to passengers for their patience through all of the closures that have taken place over recent weekends. We’re sorry for the impact this has had on journeys.
“We’ve made a significant amount of progress across a range of testing activity, covering different elements of the system that underpin digital in‑cab signalling. It has taken us a lot closer to being able to operate digitally signalled services on the East Coast Main Line, and the long‑term reliability improvements that will bring to thousands of passengers.”
There is one further planned day of testing on Sunday 15 March, during the next run of major improvement work on the East Coast Main Line, ahead of the planned introduction of the start of digitally signalled services on the East Coast Main Line from summer 2026. Digital in‑cab signalling will replace traditional lineside signals, allowing more reliable train services, reduced delays, and more efficient energy use.
