Passengers warned of bank holiday rail disruption

Rail passengers are being warned to expect train disruption over the August bank holiday weekend as engineers carry out testing for a digital signalling upgrade.

National Rail said engineering work south of Peterborough would affect services into London from 20:00 BST on Saturday 29 August until 08:00 BST on Monday 31 August. Rail replacement buses will operate on some routes during the closure.

The work is part of the £1.4bn East Coast Digital Programme, which will introduce digital in-cab signalling. The technology will replace traditional lineside signals by sending real-time information directly to train drivers.

Network Rail said the changes were expected to improve safety and efficiency.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail's head of access integration for the East Coast Digital Programme, said: "The work taking place involves the final preparations for us to begin a gradual introduction of digital in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line.

"The ability to control trains in this way will enable a more resilient and reliable railway that is fit for the future.

"We have carefully planned this work to avoid the busiest times of the August bank holiday weekend, and where possible, passengers may be able to avoid this disruption by travelling before or after Sunday 30 August."

Train operators said they had worked with Network Rail to minimise disruption and urged customers to check journeys before travelling.

On Sunday 30 August, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will divert two return services from Newcastle to Bedford, allowing passengers to continue to London St Pancras on Thameslink services.

The operator said the arrangement would enable about 2,500 passengers to complete their journey entirely by rail.

Passengers are being encouraged to check travel updates before setting out.

People are also being advised that lift refurbishment work at London St Pancras means there is currently no step-free access to or from the Thameslink platforms.

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