The billion-pound plans to improve rail travel for passenger and freight operations to and from London have progressed further. Critical work took place over the last weekend in June to prepare for a digital future. The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) will create a more reliable railway with lower emissions by introducing digital technology to improve the efficient movement of trains. Traditional lineside signals will be replaced by continuous signalling information to a screen in the driver’s cab.
Over Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 June, the infrastructure agency for Great Britain, Network Rail, installed new equipment and technology between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire (about forty miles or 64 kilometres north of London). The work is part of a project, preparing the way for trains on that section to begin using digital signalling from 2025. Work undertaken included the installation of a tall radio communications mast and preparatory power and telecommunications work at 63 locations.
More reliable passenger and freight services
Digital signalling, using the European Train Control System (ETCS) is a proven technology. It is already in use in many countries in Europe and worldwide. The East Coast Digital Programme will see the first introduction of ETCS to an intercity mainline in Great Britain. It will provide the foundation for the future expansion of digital signalling across the UK network. ETCS is currently in use on the central London section of Thameslink and on the Cambrian Line in Wales, where it was extensively tested over a period of years. Freight operators have also embraced the technology, among them DB Cargo UK unveiled an upgraded locomotive recently.
“The work carried out provides more progress towards a digital East Coast railway that will work better for all who depend on it”, said Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor for the east Coast Digital Project. He went on to thank rail users for their patience while Network Rail occupied the line. “Digital signalling will enable a more capable railway, providing more reliable passenger and freight services while reducing carbon emissions.”
Ramp up to full potential
Work continues on the project, which will help make the most of capacity on the route, which is already running at close to capacity under the traditional signalling technology. “Work like this is essential but, sadly, also disruptive for our customers”, said Jenny Saunders, the customer services director for Thameslink and Great Northern, the principal passenger train operator for London suburban and regional inter-urban services on the southern end of the ECML. “We do our very best to keep everyone on the move but it would have been a lot harder for many to travel this past weekend, so thank you for your patience.”
“The East Coast Digital Programme is one of the biggest transformations on the railway – bringing it into a digital age’, said Linda Wain, the Engineering Director for LNER, the government appointed operator of long distance passenger service on the route. “This vital investment in digital signalling will enable LNER’s Azuma fleet to realise its full potential and we are proud to be working with our industry partners to bring long-term benefits for customers.”