THE introduction of in-cab digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line has moved a step closer following commissioning of the Welwyn to Hitchin (W2H) European Train Control System (ETCS) overlay. W2H is Britain’s first instance of infrastructure commissioning towards a‘no physical signals’ intercity mainline.
The overlay is a critical part of the East Coast Digital Programme’s (ECDP) delivery plan. To achieve the end goal of a‘no signals’railway on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line (ECML), it is necessary to create a section of route that can be operated with both conventional and digital signalling. Drivers from all ECML operators will progressively be trained to drive in ETCS through the W2H overlay. Once all train fleets are upgraded and all drivers trained, the progressive rollout of digital signalling throughout ECML (South) can rapidly follow. The W2H overlay will be a key enabler not just for ECDP, but for the wider rollout of ETCS across the whole rail network.
W2H commissioning involved what has been termed a‘lite’resignalling in preparation for system proving of the ETCS system. Anew proving desk and Radio Block Centre will be put in place in the York Rail Operating Centre to enable the first overnight proving trains to operate from this spring. It is expected that migration to ETCS operations on passenger and freight services through the overlay section will begin in 2025.