While most of the country slept, an LNER Azuma train was carrying out an important return test run between Leeds and London St Pancras during the early hours of Friday 28 March.
As part of ongoing work to keep customers moving during significant engineering work when parts of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) are closed, LNER is currently exploring options to divert into alternative London terminal stations.
Using a 9-car bi-mode LNER Azuma train, the unit (no. 800108) started its journey at Leeds, left the ECML at Doncaster, before joining the Midland Main Line at Chesterfield and terminating in London St Pancras. LNER teams carried out various safety and validation checks before returning north.
While further work to operate into London St Pancras with customers onboard would be required, the test is an exciting step towards looking at the potential of offering LNER customers more options and freedom to travel during engineering work.
Mark Smith, Development Engineer at LNER, said: "While planned engineering work is vital in delivering infrastructure upgrades and keeping the rail network safe, it can be disruptive to customer journeys. With this test, LNER is looking at how it can keep its customers on the move and minimise disruption to journeys when engineering work is being carried out.
"There is still work to be done, but this is an encouraging development for future service options."
Image credit: LNER & iStock
