Could LNER divert trains via Lincoln when problems occur on the ECML?

[Failed Unit]

How easy is it to Divert via Lincoln? I know you need a bi-mode (which some caught up were). But how many of the LNER staff have route knowledge for this? I see some of the London - Lincoln were terminated at Peterborough. I assume because the crew didn’t sign the joint line.

 

[norbitonflyer]

How easy is it to Divert via Lincoln? I know you need a bi-mode (which some caught up were). But how many of the LNER staff have route knowledge for this? I see some of the London - Lincoln were terminated at Peterborough. I assume because the crew didn’t sign the joint line.

Or possibly to thin the ECML service out - passengers for Lincoln could use the EMR service over the Joint Line. It is alsopossiblethat,if the problem was the points at the crossing used by Lincoln trains to reach platform 3 at Newark, the fix required the points to be set for the main line and then left alone until a more permanent fix could be made - that would prevent trains going to Lincoln (or reversing at Newark)

 

[Twingo37175]

I think the joint line wasn't an option given signal boxes probably were not open between Doncaster and gainsborough and South of Lincoln. Route knowledge is probably there given diverts this way over the past 3 weekends.

 

[Failed Unit]

I didn't realise the joint line was closed on Sundays, I always thought after re-signalling that it was controlled by a box that was open 24/7 (Lincoln?) but looking at real times, nothing is scheduled on Sundays (not even freight) so I can see how this could be a problem. That will also explain why in EMRs mega timetable masterplan Lincoln - Peterborough isn't planned to get a Sunday service (whether the EMR masterplan ever happens is another debate)

In the past limited depots signed the joint line, so on the engineering weekends I assumed that drivers changed at Peterborough and / or Doncaster to ensure that the maximum number of trains could use the joint line. I do remember years back on the 0930 Edinburgh - London (which was a HST back then) we had wires down at Claypole, but needed to terminate at Doncaster as although the HST was fine, the driver didn't sign the route. I assume that if say 10% sign, they diagram them on the weekends to ensure they are pretty much shuttling the joint line, whereas I assume on a normal Sunday you will have a lot of train crew that don't sign it that could be caught up.

On other ECML closures HT have diverted, LNER and GC less so.