The first section of the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to lose its lineside signals in favour of cab signalling will be either Biggleswade-Fletton or the Hertford Loop.
That’s according to Network Rail’s Ed Akers, who is leading its East Coast Digital Project (EDCP) to install European Train Control System (ETCS) technology between King’s Cross and Stoke Junction, just south of Grantham.
He told RAIL that he expects to start removing signals in the second half of 2027, basing his prediction on it taking 24 months to train drivers from passenger and freight companies.
The first section of the line to receive ETCS signalling runs from Welwyn to Hitchin, where Network Rail is checking installation work before dynamic testing starts for three months until August.
Service trains will start running under ETCS from June 2025, according to current plans, although Akers is clear that this date could slip.
However, Welwyn to Hitchin will not be the first section to lose lineside signals because NR wants to keep them with ETCS as an overlay, to provide an area in which to train drivers.
This means that when the first section does lose lineside signals, they would go immediately that ETCS is commissioned. Akers said there would be no more sections with overlays because that is more expensive.
NR is already operating the Moorgate branch from Finsbury Park with conventional or ETCS signalling, according to the competence of each driver as it trains them in the new signalling.
Akers regards Moorgate as EDCP’s pilot programme, allowing lessons to be learned in the simpler environment of a short line that has only Class 717 electric multiple units.
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