Transforming Commuter Rail: The Shift Away from Traditional ETCS Signals
In a critically important move, the Northern City Line in the UK has become Network Rail’s first commuter route to fully embrace ETCS Level 2 cab signalling, eliminating redundant lineside signals at London’s Moorgate terminus.
Govia Thameslink Railway’s Great Northern services have been utilizing this advanced signalling system as November 2023 on the predominantly underground stretch that connects the East Coast Main line to London’s financial hub. However, it wasn’t until May 17-18 that Siemens Mobility completed the removal of outdated infrastructure.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy expressed enthusiasm about this modernization effort: “This innovative initiative is propelling our railways into a new era. Digital signalling not only cuts costs but also enhances safety and reliability compared to customary methods. This state-of-the-art technology could potentially slash delays by up to one-third.”
Pilot for East Coast Digital Program
The journey towards digital transformation began with an ETCS Level 2 pilot on Wales’ rural Cambrian lines back in 2011. Additionally, this level of technology supports automated operations alongside existing signals on Thameslink routes between London Bridge and St Pancras International.
This upgrade of the bustling Northern City Line is part of a larger £1.4 billion initiative known as the East coast Digital Programme, which aims to implement ETCS across approximately160 kilometers of the high-speed East Coast main Line from London to Grantham. The line was chosen for its compatibility with siemens Mobility Class 717 EMUs already equipped with ETCS technology, allowing for an efficient transition away from aging signaling systems dating back before its integration into national rail in the mid-1970s.
Ed Akers, Industry Partnership director at Network Rail’s ECDP, noted that insights gained from creating a signal-free railway in central London will be invaluable for transforming othre parts of the network: “The lessons learned here will guide us as we roll out similar upgrades along the East Coast Main Line and beyond.”
Currently underway are tests involving an ETCS overlay on existing signals over a stretch between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin—the first mainline section set to operate under this system—while preparatory work continues between Biggleswade and Peterborough.
Alejandro Moreno from AtkinsRéalis highlighted how pivotal this project has been: “The Northern City Line serves as a crucial model within our broader digital railway transformation strategy. The expertise we’ve developed here will streamline future implementations like those planned for TransPennine Route Upgrade.”
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