Monday 13 Feb 2023
Passengers reminded to plan ahead this weekend as East Coast Digital Programme continues
- Region & Route:
- Eastern
- | Eastern: East Coast
The billion-pound East Coast Digital Programme will continue to create a more reliable railway between Peterborough and London King’s Cross this weekend.
Passengers planning to travel on the East Coast Main Line on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February are being urged to plan ahead.
A brand-new signalling system is being brought into use in the Wood Green – New Barnet area of north London to boost reliability and make the area ready for digital signalling in the future.
New lineside equipment and technology is also being installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire, preparing this section to become the first part of the East Coast Main Line to operate with digital signalling.
The Government-backed East Coast Digital Programme will create the next generation of train travel, reduce carbon emissions and help passengers get to where they need to be, on time.
For the work to take place safely, no trains will run between St Neots (south of Peterborough), or between Royston and London over the weekend. London King’s Cross and Moorgate stations will be closed and there will be no services to or from St Pancras International via Finsbury Park.
Passengers should check with National Rail or their train operator’s website for the latest information on rail replacement services.
Paul Rutter, East Coast Route Director for Network Rail said: “It’s exciting to see the East Coast Digital Programme moving forward as we get closer to offering passengers more reliable journeys along a digital railway that’s fit for the future.
“There will be significant changes to services over the weekend so that we can deliver these benefits safely and we’re sorry if this impacts people’s plans. We’ve worked closely with train operators to keep people moving, so passengers should plan ahead.”
Over the same weekend, a major track renewal programme will start around Preston station impacting services on the West Coast Main Line. Read more at West Coast main line closure for Preston station track upgrades (networkrailmediacentre.co.uk).
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Detailed travel information – Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February
Grand Central:
No Grand Central services will run.
Additionally, on Monday 20 February, the 08:27 London King’s Cross to Sunderland service is also cancelled.
Hull Trains:
A reduced and amended service will run, with trains being diverted to run to / from London St Pancras International instead of to / from London King’s Cross.
On these days, Hull Trains services will not call at Beverley, Cottingham, Retford or Grantham.
LNER:
Trains will not run between St Neots and London King’s Cross.
Replacement coaches will run between St Neots and Bedford for alternative train services to / from London.
Until 10:00 on Sunday 19 February, services will start / terminate at Grantham.
Lumo:
Trains will run between Edinburgh and Peterborough only. Replacement buses will run between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Louise Leighton
Media Relations Manager
Network Rail
07858 375508
louise.leighton2@networkrail.co.uk
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