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East Coast Digital Programme

East Coast Digital Programme

We're working with colleagues and partners across the rail industry to modernise signalling on some of our Great Northern and Thameslink routes.

This means that traditional lineside signals, many of which were installed in the 1970s, will be replaced by state-of-the-art digital signalling – creating a better performing East Coast Main Line for our customers and everyone else who uses it. 

There will be engineering works to allow this to be carried out. Here, you will find information about how your journey is affected. You can also find out more information about the programme, including answers to your frequently asked questions.

The next phase of the East Coast Digital Programme

Major engineering work will affect Thameslink and Great Northern services between London and Peterborough / King’s Lynn on Saturday 30 November and on Sunday 1 December 

There will be NO Thameslink or Great Northern trains between Potters and St Neots, Potters Bar and Royston or between Hertford North and Stevenage. 

Please see the full service summary below.  

All day Saturday and Sunday:

No trains will run between: 

  • Potters Bar and St Neots
  • Potters Bar and Royston
  • Hertford North and Stevenage

A rail replacement bus service will run between:  

  • Potters Bar and Hitchin
  • Hitchin and Royston
  • Hertford North and Stevenage
  • St Albans City and Stevenage via Hatfield
  • Luton Airport Parkway and Stevenage via Hitchin
  • St Neots and Bedford
  • St Neots and Hitchin 

Trains will run between: 

  • St Neots and Peterborough
  • Royston and Cambridge/King’s Lynn
  • London King’s Cross and Potters Bar
  • Moorgate and Potters Bar / Hertford North

Are there any other works happening that could affect my journey? 

Engineering works are taking place on other parts of the network - such as on the Cambridge branch of the East Coast Main Line, between London and Cambridge/ Ely/ King’s Lynn for the Cambridge South Station project -– which may also impact your journeys from time to time. Always check and plan your journey before you travel at nationalrail.co.uk.

Signalling a new era of train travel

We’re using the latest technology to deliver a next generation railway. Find out more below:

image of a train

What benefits will this work bring to customers?

As well as improving reliability, digital signalling reduces carbon emissions and provides a more punctual service for customers and everyone else who depends on it.

Our work on this programme plays a key part in ensuring we are delivering a resilient railway that is more reliable - that is fit for the future.

a hand in front of a screen

What work is being done, and when?

Digital signalling technology will first be introduced on the Northern City Line, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.

It will then be progressively rolled out on the southern section of the East Coast Main Line, between Peterborough and London Kings Cross.

It is expected that the first trains to operate on the East Coast Main Line using digital signalling technology will run in 2025, with all improvements expected to be completed by the end of the decade.

a man sitting in a train cab

What is digital signalling?

Digital signalling - or European Train Control Signalling (ETCS):

  • Provides continual speed information to the driver
  • Replaces the need for conventional, lineside signals
  • Allows signallers to communicate with trains continuously and respond in real time

Our Thameslink drivers already use digital signalling on our cross-London route between London Bridge and St Pancras/Kentish Town  

Frequently Asked Questions