A transport team is warning those planning to travel by rail this December to plan ahead due to engineering works taking place. 

Sarah Collett, 54, is part of a dedicated team working on the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which will modernise signalling and provide more reliable journeys on Thameslink and Great Northern routes across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

The next phase of works will take place on Sunday, December 3 and as a result, there will be no trains at 16 stations for the whole day. 

Since this article went to press, ASLEF has announced that Thameslink and Great Northern drivers who are members of ASLEF will be striking on Sunday 3 December 3.

This will significantly impact the service plan. Thameslink and Great Northern will provide further information on its industrial action page when it becomes available.

Sarah said: “ I joined the ECDP team in 2022, which was a brilliant opportunity to be part of a project that is revolutionising train travel.  

“I’m now responsible for planning, developing and controlling how we deliver the programme, which will see traditional lineside signals replaced by digital signalling. 

“We are helping to make the railway fit for the future and our next big milestone is December 3.  

“In order to carry out improvement works, there will unfortunately be limited or no service in many areas on the East Coast Main Line. We’re getting the message out now so our customers can plan ahead.” 

She added: “I’m really enjoying working being a part of the ECDP because no day is the same and I get to collaborate with industry partners, including other passenger operators like LNER, freight operators and Network Rail, as it’s such a major project. 

The following stations will have no service all day on Sunday, December 3. 

  • Arlesey 
  •  Ashwell and Morden 
  •  Baldock 
  • Biggleswade 
  • Foxton 
  • Letchworth Garden City 
  • Meldreth 
  • Royston 
  • Sandy 
  • Shepreth 
  • Brookmans Park 
  • Hatfield 
  • Knebworth 
  • Watton-at-Stone 
  • Welham Green 
  •  Welwyn North

To find out more, visit Great Northern - East Coast Digital Programme (greatnorthernrail.com).