LNER trains to run at reduced speeds this week – then East Coast passengers face three months of disruption
LNER’s fleet of electric trains has been forced to run at a reduced speed due to the number of repairs needed during the winter weather.
They will only travel at 100mph instead of the usual 125mph between Doncaster and Stevenage until Sunday night.
The speed limit has been introduced because more of the trains than usual require repairs or servicing due to weather conditions. Problems include faults with brakes and suspension, defective horns and damage to windscreens.
Passengers making essential trips on the East Coast Main Line can expect delays and cancellations.
The company said on Twitter “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause”
If you have a ticket for one of the affected services, this will be valid on the next available LNER train.
King’s Cross upgrade
Meanwhile, a crucial stage of work to simplify track layout and reopen a disused railway tunnel near London King’s Cross station begins soon.
And it will mean three months of disruption for travellers to and from London.
The bulk of the work begins in March and will run until early June, with a full train service able to run once more from Monday, 7 June.
Trains will be able to run to and from London King’s Cross station for the vast majority of the work, although there will be a “slightly reduced” service in place, as well as two weekends, 26-28 April and 4-6 June, when no trains will be able to call at the station.
Essential track and signalling changes will take place between 26 and 28 February and will mean most LNER services to/from the north of England and Scotland will start/end at Peterborough.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Those who need to make essential journeys on the East Coast Main Line over the coming months are strongly advised to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or on their train operator’s website, allow plenty of time and avoid travelling at peak times where possible.
“Grand Central and Hull Train services, which are currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are expected to resume on Monday, 1 March.
““This East Coast Upgrade is a truly transformative programme, which will bring significant and tangible benefits, such as faster, more frequent and more reliable journeys.”