Great Northern - 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

The next set of major engineering works will be taking place on Sunday 3 December.

More information and details will be added soon. Please check back for updates.

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.

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.

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

What is the East Coast Digital Programme?

The East Coast Digital Programme will replace and modernise the signalling systems on some of our Great Northern and Thameslink routes. In a nutshell, conventional lineside signals will be removed and replaced by in-cab signalling technology on the Northern City Line, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate, and then on the East Coast Mainline South, between King’s Cross and Peterborough.

Will there be more engineering works in the future as part of this programme?

Will the alternative routes allow bikes?

What help will there be for customers with accessibility needs?

How can I find out more and keep up to date?

What work is being done on 3 December?

New equipment and technology is being installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire, preparing for that section to begin using digital signalling from 2025. This work includes provision of telecoms that will enable constant communication between trains and lineside equipment.

Upgrade work is also taking place in the Peterborough area, enabling a move of local signalling control to our modern operating centre in York. Dynamic software is being introduced to efficiently move trains across junctions and reduce delays; the first such deployment on the East Coast Main Line.

Will there be any free car parking at alternative route stations?

East Coast Digital Programme

East Coast Digital Programme

The next phase of the East Coast Digital Programme

Signalling a new era of train travel

What benefits will this work bring to customers?

What work is being done, and when?

What is digital signalling?

Frequently Asked Questions