Rail passengers are being thanked for their patience following a weekend of crucial testing on the East Coast Main Line, as work continues on the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP). The programme aims to replace traditional lineside signals with a continuous in-cab signalling system, using the European Train Control System (ETCS), to improve reliability, safety, and punctuality for future journeys.

Over 22–23 November, services south of Peterborough were disrupted while Network Rail and partners carried out testing, marking a milestone: the first time in the UK that two trains operated simultaneously under ETCS control on an intercity main line. The achievement involved two Great Northern Class 717 commuter units, while additional testing included a Grand Central Class 180 unit and updates across trackside interlocking, the Radio Block Centre, proving desk, and signaller screens at York Rail Operating Centre.

Other essential work took place alongside ETCS testing, including track renewal at Letchworth Garden City, rerailing at Welwyn and Wymondley, and drainage improvements at Stevenage. Engineers also “unshielded” balises — trackside beacons that communicate with trains — enabling future testing periods to be more efficient.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail head of access integration, ECDP, said:

“More work has been done towards the introduction of modern in-cab digital signalling that will deliver a better railway for passengers. We have made a big step forward with our testing programme with us now doing simultaneous train movements under ETCS control. The opportunity has also been taken to progress vital work to the track and lineside on the East Coast Main Line. We’re sorry to passengers whose journeys were affected over the weekend, and thank them for their patience.”

Raj Patel, Govia Thameslink Railway’s head of digital signalling, added:

“We're really pleased with our testing from this weekend, and it's a great achievement to have two of our Great Northern Class 717 trains out on the line using ETCS simultaneously. A lot of collaborative work between Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and our partners goes into ensuring we can make the most out of these short testing windows. The combined expertise of our GTR test drivers and specialists alongside colleagues from Siemens and Network Rail mean the test crew can work together as one integrated team on the night—partnership working truly in action. I'm happy to see that we had a lot of successful tests on all the trains and can continue working towards switching on ETCS between Welwyn and Hitchin next year to bring more reliability and even better safety to our passengers.”

Matt Kent, Siemens Mobility’s director of operations – rail infrastructure, said:

“For the first time, two GTR trains have operated simultaneously under ETCS control on a UK intercity main line, a landmark moment achieved with our Siemens-built Class 717 units on the East Coast Main Line. Working closely with Network Rail and our partners across the ECDP programme, we are proud to be delivering the in-cab digital signalling system that will transform rail travel and transport and enable more punctual, reliable, and efficient journeys for passengers on one of Britain's most critical rail corridors.”

Image: Network Rail