Network Rail plans to remove the lineside lights most train drivers currently use to guide their journey and expand in-cab digital signalling across the network instead.
The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) organised an 56-day strike at Hull Trains beginning on March 31 after they said one its members was unfairly sacked.
Network Rail confirmed that all lines are closed between cities and expect disruption to continue until the early afternoon. Police said a driver was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
Network Rail has confirmed it is carrying out a trial at London King's Cross that sees train information vanish from screens three minutes before the service leaves.