Digital signalling of the East Coast Main Line, which is being introduced through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), has moved a step forward with the successful commissioning of the line between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.

Commissioning was a round-the-clock exercise from last Saturday, 17 until Tuesday, 20 February.

Later this year, test trains will be run overnight as a prelude to the introduction of the first digitally signalled trains on the main line to run from next year.

Once the East Coast Digital Programme has been fully implemented, it will mark the end of traditional lineside signalling as digital signalling an Electronic Train Control System (ETCS) will display signal information inside train drivers’ cabs.

The programme’s first stage came last November when digitally signalled Great Northern passenger trains started operating on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.

Until all drivers have been trained with the new system so that the old one can be switched off, which is expected next year, the traditional line side signals will be retained.

Currently, a quarter of all trains operating between Finsbury Park and Moorgate are using digital signalling, and this number will increase as more drivers are trained on the system.

Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor, ECDP, said: “This is a major milestone towards digital signalling on the main line and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in reaching this point.  Digital signalling is the future of the railway, and ECDP will deliver a more reliable and greener railway for passengers in the long term.

“We want to thank passengers for their patience and understanding over recent days while work was carried out.”

A spokesperson on behalf of passenger train operators said: “Our teams have been working hard over the last four days to keep passengers on the move and to get them to their destination as quickly as possible.

“We know that changes to services are never ideal and we want to thank our passengers for their patience while this vital work was carried out.”