Major Disruptions on Thameslink and Great Northern Routes via Finsbury Park on June 15 as Digital Signalling Upgrades Continue

Passengers traveling on Thameslink and Great Northern routes via Finsbury Park are being urged to plan ahead and check live updates before traveling on Sunday, 15 June, as extensive engineering works connected to the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) cause significant service alterations. The works are part of a government-backed £1.4 billion initiative aimed at upgrading signalling systems along the East Coast Mainline and Hertford Loop into London to improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of rail travel.

What to Expect on Sunday 15 June

Due to the essential digital signalling upgrade works, many train services will be replaced by rail replacement buses, and journeys are expected to take considerably longer than usual. In addition, some trains will be diverted to London Moorgate rather than their usual London King’s Cross or St Pancras termini.

Key disruptions include:

• No train services between:
  • Finsbury Park and London King’s Cross / London St Pancras
  • Peterborough / Royston and Potters Bar
  • Hertford North and Stevenage
• Amended train services operating between:
  • Royston and Cambridge / Ely / King’s Lynn
  • Potters Bar and Moorgate
  • Hertford North and Moorgate
  • London St Pancras and Gatwick / Brighton
• Rail replacement buses running between:
  • Potters Bar and Hitchin
  • St Albans and Stevenage via Hatfield
  • Luton Airport Parkway and Stevenage via Hitchin
  • Hitchin and Royston
  • Peterborough and Bedford via Huntingdon and St Neots
  • Hertford North and Stevenage

Travelers are advised to visit National Rail or the Network Rail website for up-to-date travel information and disruption maps.

Background on the East Coast Digital Programme

The ECDP is a critical upgrade project funded by the UK government to modernize signalling technology along the East Coast Mainline—a vital rail artery connecting London with key northern cities. The project seeks to replace traditional “traffic light” style signalling with advanced digital in-cab signalling systems.

The benefits of this upgrade include increased train frequency, enhanced safety, improved punctuality, and a reduction in carbon emissions due to more efficient train movement. In recent milestones, Network Rail successfully removed traditional signals from the Northern City line in London, a first step towards the full digital transition.

Details of the June 15 Engineering Works

On Sunday 15 June, engineering teams will conduct:

• High-speed digital signalling testing between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.
• Preparatory signalling work between Biggleswade and Peterborough.
• Testing using Grand Central Class 180 trains and Great Northern Class 717 trains to ensure system reliability at higher speeds.

A notable technical advancement during this work includes the use of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, moving the East Coast Mainline closer to deploying the European Train Control System (ETCS) over GPRS — a pioneering effort on any mainline railway in the UK.

Further engineering activities will take place on “under track crossings” between Biggleswade and Peterborough during the evening after testing is completed.

Impact on Long-Distance and Other Train Services

• London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will operate a reduced service starting and terminating at Peterborough. Passengers traveling between Peterborough and London St Pancras should use rail replacement coaches to Bedford, where they can connect to Thameslink services.
• Grand Central will run a reduced service between Sunderland and Peterborough, with coach transfers to London King’s Cross. Services to and from Bradford will not run on this day.
• Hull Trains will operate a reduced service diverting to and from London St Pancras instead of King’s Cross.
• Lumo will offer a reduced service involving non-stop rail replacement coaches between London King’s Cross and Peterborough.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail advise passengers to check service updates and plan travel accordingly.

Official Statements and Advice

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, stated:
“This important work by Network Rail as part of the East Coast Digital Programme will cause significant changes to all train services running down the East Coast Main Line to Finsbury Park and London. Please, if you plan to travel on Sunday 15 June, plan ahead online at nationalrail.co.uk, allow plenty of extra time and check the state of the service before you leave for the station.”

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail Head of Access Integration for the East Coast Digital Programme, added:
“We’re continuing the rigorous programme of testing required ahead of the introduction of digital, in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line. Changing the way we signal trains will make our railway fit for the future, with more reliable and greener journeys. We have planned the testing carefully, and this particular work will only affect journeys on the Sunday, not the whole weekend. We thank all passengers affected for their patience and understanding.”

How Passengers Can Prepare

Passengers planning to travel on Sunday, 15 June, are advised to:

• Check live travel updates before setting out at National Rail Enquiries.
• Allow extra journey time due to rail replacement buses and diversions.
• Consider alternative travel dates if possible to avoid disruption.
• Use official social media channels and apps from Thameslink, Great Northern, and Network Rail for real-time notifications.

For passengers with mobility requirements or needing assistance, it is recommended to contact customer service in advance to arrange support during service changes.

Future Benefits and Long-Term Vision

The ongoing East Coast Digital Programme represents a transformative step in the modernization of UK rail infrastructure. By introducing digital signalling, the rail network will be able to operate more trains safely and efficiently, easing congestion on one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors.

This upgrade supports government ambitions to build a greener, more reliable transport system aligned with the UK’s commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable development. Passengers will ultimately benefit from more frequent, punctual, and environmentally friendly train services.

For further official updates and travel information, visit:

• Network Rail East Coast Digital Programme
• National Rail Enquiries
• Department for Transport

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