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Passengers heading to and from London this bank holiday weekend could face longer journey times as digital signalling is introduced along the East Coast Main Line.

Engineering works will affect some Grand Central train journeys to and from Sunderland between Saturday, August 29 and Monday, August 31.

On Saturday, the 5.32pm train from Sunderland to London King’s Cross will not run.

No Grand Central services will operate on Sunday, meaning passengers wishing to travel to London must instead take the Metro to Newcastle and get an LNER train from there.

Passengers heading to and from London this bank holiday weekend could face longer journey times.

placeholder image — Passengers heading to and from London this bank holiday weekend could face longer journey times.

Engineering works south of Peterborough and Royston towards London are taking place between 10pm on Saturday and 8am on Monday, with rail replacement bus services in operation for some journeys.

This means passengers travelling south towards London and north from London towards Sunderland will face longer journey times with multiple connections.

In some instances, passengers could be facing up to five connections.

The 7.48am Londong King’s Cross to Sunderland train on Monday will also not run.

The work forms the final stages of testing ahead of the £1.4b East Coast Digital Programme’s introduction of digital in-cab signalling, replacing traditional lineside traffic light signals with real‑time information sent directly into the driver’s cab.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail head of access integration (ECDP), said: “The work taking place involves the final preparations for us to begin a gradual introduction of digital in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line.

"The ability to control trains in this way will enable a more resilient and reliable railway that is fit for the future.

“We have carefully planned this work to avoid the busiest times of the August bank holiday weekend, and where possible passengers may be able to avoid this disruption by travelling before or after Sunday, 30 August.

“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey is affected and grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding.”

A spokesperson for the train operators said: “We’ve worked closely together and with Network Rail to keep our customers moving and minimise disruption wherever possible.

"We encourage customers to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling so they can choose the option that best suits them.”

Passengers are strongly urged to check their train operator’s website and social media for the latest travel advice.