Questions about the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP)

[rmHawk765]

Given there have already been several closures related to the ECDP, I have a few questions on it, though I understand there's not a lot of public info for these:

1. When is the actual track-side equipment getting installed? There seem to be very few balises, section markers, cab signalling markers etc.
2. Will the Hertford Loop Line be getting the upgrade as well?
3. Are the 379s currently planned to get ETCS retrofitted anytime soon?
4. Are the 225s even going to last until ETCS is fully operational? And if so, what's the plan for them? The 897s don't enter service until 2027 so surely they can't get rid of them right after?
5. This has been asked a lot, but is there any new info on whether allowing 140mph operation is being considered?

 

[zwk500]

Welcome to the forum! This article from October 2024: https://www.railengineer.co.uk/ecdp-an-update/ seems to answer most of your points.

Given there have already been several closures related to the ECDP, I have a few questions on it, though I understand there's not a lot of public info for these:
When is the actual track-side equipment getting installed? There seem to be very few balises, section markers, cab signalling markers etc.

This quote:

The Northern City Line to Moorgate should achieve no signals operation in spring next year followed toward the end of 2025 by the start of regular ETCS operation of some trains over the Welwyn Hitchin section. The volume of trains operating will gradually increase as the number of trains fitted and drivers trained grows, with full ETCS service anticipated to occur in 2027. That year is also expected to see the first section of ETCS being prepared for operation without lineside signals.

Indicates on-track equipment will roll out across the next 2 years or so.

Will the Hertford Loop Line be getting the upgrade as well?

This line:

with full ETCS service anticipated to occur in 2027. That year is also expected to see the first section of ETCS being prepared for operation without lineside signals. There is still discussion as to whether this will be Biggleswade to Fletton or the Hertford Loop although the primary aim is the former.

Says it will, and may even go-live with signals-away before the rest of the ECML.

Are the 379s currently planned to get ETCS retrofitted anytime soon

379s are not mentioned, however the article does say 387s are currently undergoing fitment.

Are the 225s even going to last until ETCS is fully operational? And if so, what's the plan for them? The 897s don't enter service until 2027 so surely they can't get rid of them right after?

According to the article, Class 91 Locos are not being fitted, so the assumption is presumably that the 225 Sets will not operate ECML services after that date. The Mk4 Coaches may be picked up, with or without the 91s, by other operators of course.

This has been asked a lot, but is there any new info on whether allowing 140mph operation is being considered?

Not covered in the article, but categorically not. 140mph requires more than just in-cab signalling, it would also require upgraded OLE (tension, gradient, support forces), Points (swingnose crossings), Stations (closed platforms or bypass lines), level crossings removed, and of course a service rewrite to make use of 140mph running. None of this is proposed for ECDP.

 

[rmHawk765]

Welcome to the forum! This article from October 2024: https://www.railengineer.co.uk/ecdp-an-update/ seems to answer most of your points.


This quote:

Indicates on-track equipment will roll out across the next 2 years or so.

This line:

Says it will, and may even go-live with signals-away before the rest of the ECML.

379s are not mentioned, however the article does say 387s are currently undergoing fitment.

According to the article, Class 91 Locos are not being fitted, so the assumption is presumably that the 225 Sets will not operate ECML services after that date. The Mk4 Coaches may be picked up, with or without the 91s, by other operators of course.

Not covered in the article, but categorically not. 140mph requires more than just in-cab signalling, it would also require upgraded OLE (tension, gradient, support forces), Points (swingnose crossings), Stations (closed platforms or bypass lines), level crossings removed, and of course a service rewrite to make use of 140mph running. None of this is proposed for ECDP.

Thanks for the welcome and the answer!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Apr 2025 ==

ECDP refers to the East Coast Digital Programme, in case it is confusing.