Rail passengers travelling from Hitchin are being warned of significant disruption later this month, with no trains running between Letchworth and London over the weekend of Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.

The two-day closure of the East Coast Main Line will affect passengers travelling to and from Hitchin, with rail replacement buses and coaches operating for many journeys.

Network Rail has confirmed that the disruption is necessary to allow further upgrades to digital signalling technology, alongside essential track and lineside improvements.

The work forms part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme, which aims to replace traditional lineside signals with real-time information delivered directly to train drivers' cabs.

Digital signalling was first introduced on some services between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in August.

The latest work will involve updates to diagnostic systems, data and software to improve reliability and prepare for more trains to use digital signalling during 2027.

Other improvements taking place over the weekend include:

• Further work to deliver step-free access at Alexandra Palace station.
• Track renewal at New Southgate and near Potters Bar.
• Station canopy work at Bowes Park.
• Improvements to overhead line electrical equipment at various locations.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail's head of access integration for the East Coast Digital Programme, said: "We have begun to introduce digital in-cab signalling to the East Coast Main Line and we're getting ready to extend its use to more services.

"When all trains operate with digital signalling there will be reliability benefits through less reliance on trackside equipment and better ability to recover from disruption.

"We are also taking the opportunity to do other vital engineering work on the track and lineside to improve the reliability of day-to-day services."

He apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and suggested that those with flexibility consider travelling on alternative days.

"We're sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected. Those customers who have choice about when they can travel may want to consider travelling on days before or after, which are unaffected by work.

"For those who need to travel on the affected weekend, we have plans in place to keep passengers moving."

A spokesperson for the train operators confirmed the scale of the disruption.

"No trains will be able to run on the East Coast Main Line between Peterborough or Letchworth Garden City and London on 28-29 November.

"Passengers should check before they travel and allow extra time, as services will be significantly altered and rail replacement services will be in operation for many journeys."

Passengers planning to travel from Hitchin on Saturday 28 or Sunday 29 November should expect significant changes to their usual journeys.

Rail replacement buses and coaches will operate for many journeys, although passengers are advised to check the precise arrangements for their route before setting off.

Those using replacement transport should allow additional time for connections and avoid bringing more luggage than they can comfortably carry.

Passengers can check the latest journey information through their train operator or the National Rail website⁠.