Network Rail testing new digital signalling equipment on Northern City Line

Credit: Network Rail

Passengers travelling on the Northern City Line in April and May 2022 are being urged to plan ahead as work to test and commission newly installed signalling equipment takes place. This work will take place on 9/10 April and the Early May Bank Holiday weekend (30 April to 2 May inclusive). The first weekend will see the new equipment rigorously tested ahead of it being commissioned over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The work is part of the East Coast Digital Programme, which will see the introduction of digital signalling on the Northern City Line, which runs between Moorgate and Finsbury Park. The upgrade to the route will enable signallers to communicate with the latest in-cab technology on trains. Being able to respond in real time will boost reliability and reduce delays, creating a more modern and reliable railway for passengers. The upcoming work can only take place safely when no passengers services are running.

 “This is an important step forward on the East Coast Digital Programme as it brings us closer to delivering more reliable journeys on this route,” Toufic Machnouk, Network Rail’s Director, Industry Partnership Digital, said. “Testing and commissioning the new equipment is a key part of this upgrade, but it does mean changes to services in April and May.”

“We thank our passengers for their understanding while Network Rail takes the next big step in creating a modern, more reliable railway on this important route,” Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said. “People returning to rail travel can be confident that we continue to treat all our trains and stations regularly with a powerful virucide for long-lasting protection.”