Trains disrupted as tracks expand due to hot weather and flash floods

Passengers have been warned to expect delays to their journeys after trains were disrupted by hot weather conditions.

Network Rail said track temperatures in the south and west of the country reached peaks of 47C on Tuesday with multiple lines disrupted.

In a statement it said: “We’ve recorded very high rail temperatures in the south and west of the country today, some as high as 47C.

“With that in mind, train speeds in some areas are being limited – including on parts of the West Coast Mainline that links Glasgow Central with Carlisle via Lockerbie.”

Rails in direct sunlight can be as much as 20C hotter than air temperatures and expand as they heat up, causing them to curve or buckle.

Work is ongoing to improve the conditions of the railways amid the scorching summer weather, including engineers artificially stretching tracks.

Heavy rainfall has also affected the lines in some areas with ScotRail confirming trains between Crianlarich and Fort William are unable to run.

A replacement bus service has been put in place and passengers can receive updates from the rail provider on social media.

/2 We have requested for replacement transport to operate in place of trains. If confirmed, space will be limited and will be on a first come first serve basis, therefore we would advise customers to avoid travelling or to make alternative arrangements wherever possible today.

It comes as the west of the country experienced a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in areas of the Highlands with the A86 remaining closed due to a landslide east of Roybridge.

Over 600 tonnes of mud and debris came down on 1.5km of the road.

Elsewhere, sunny temperatures look set to continue however the mercury may dip into the lower 20s by the end of the week.

References

1. ^{^} June 13, 2023 (twitter.com)