Signal upgrading sees major rail schedule changes

Some trains are already using the technology but further testing is still taking place

People travelling to and from London have been warned of major timetable changes while signalling systems are improved.

Services on the East Coast Mainline between London King's Cross and Peterborough will be amended between Saturday evening and Monday morning with most changes happening on Sunday.

Network Rail said works were taking place as part of its East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which will see railside traditional signals, similar to traffic lights, replaced with a screen in the train driver's cab.

The new technology has already been installed on the line between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin but requires further testing this weekend.

In 2026 passenger services along that stretch of line will use the new digital signalling.

During the period trains are not running the operator will also complete other works, including a new accessible footbridge and lifts at Biggleswade Station.

For much of the weekend trains running on the line have been cancelled, with replacement bus services in place.

Various other maintenance works will take place across the line, including the removal of overhead line equipment between Sandy, Bedfordshire and Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Jonathan Daniels, head of ECDP integration at Network Rail, said work had been "carefully planned" to avoid the busiest part of the August bank holiday weekend.

He added: "I'd like to thank those passengers who will be affected for their patience and understanding of this work."

Passengers using LNER, Lumo, Grand Central, Hull Trains, Thameslink and Great Northern have been urged to check their routes over the weekend, especially those travelling to events such as the Arsenal v Leeds game at the Emirates Stadium or Notting Hill Carnival in London.