Putting it to the test: Changes on Northern City Line as East Coast Digital Programme tests and commissions new equipment

Network Rail have issued the following press release about testing of new digital signalling equipment between Moorgate and Finsbury Park:

• Testing and commissioning of new signalling equipment takes place in April and May
• Changes to services between Finsbury Park and Moorgate
• Passengers urged to plan their journeys ahead of time

Passengers travelling on the Northern City Line in April and May 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. So, on the above dates, no service between Finsbury Park and Moorgate will be available. Instead, trains to and from Moorgate will be diverted into London King’s Cross.

Passengers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey and check before travelling via National Rail Enquires or greatnorthernrail.com

Toufic Machnouk, Network Rail’s Director, Industry Partnership Digital, said: “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.

“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’re sorry for any inconvenience which this causes and we’d encourage passengers to check their journey ahead of time.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “While Moorgate trains are diverted to King’s Cross, customers can use their tickets on London Underground between the two terminals.

“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. 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.”

ENDS

Notes to Eds

When trains are diverted from Finsbury Park to London King’s Cross, passengers will be able to use their ticket on London Bus route 271 and on London Underground between London King's Cross / London St Pancras International and Moorgate.