The latest tests of in-cab signalling have been declared a success after a stretch of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) was closed over the weekend.
A total of 30 round trips were completed as a Grand Central Class 180 DMU and a Great Northern ‘717’ EMU, fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS), were used for a range of scenarios to examine how the on-board equipment interacted with that on the lineside.
The Class 717 was used for a variety of tests between Potters Bar and Biggleswade, performing intermediate runs along the ECML and also running to the fringes of ETCS’ reach on the Royston branch and Hertford loop. Meanwhile, the ‘180’ reached 125mph in high-speed runs between Finsbury Park and Huntingdon.
Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s Head of Access Integration, ECDP (East Coast Digital Programme), described the programme as a success, saying: “The vast majority of the tests were successful, with a small number providing follow up work, exactly what we’d expect and what testing is all about.
“A major positive from the weekend was that the new data set we were testing has addressed some previous issues and enabled a successful handful from one Radio Block Centre to another at line speed.”
Network Rail has said the latest tests bring the ECDP a step closer to allowing trains to be controlled by digital signalling from late 2025.
ETCS is now used to control Great Northern services between Moorgate and Finsbury Park, with lineside signals set to be switched off in 2025.
The tests come a week after two Network Rail HST power cars became the first older generation trains to take part in main line digital signalling testing.
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