Hot temperatures are forecast across the South Western Railway network this bank holiday weekend. We also have a number of events on our network this weekend and so we are expecting services to be busier than usual. On warm days rails in direct sunshine can be as much as 20 degrees centigrade above air temperature. As rails are made out of steel, they expand as they heat up and are subject to strong compression. Because of this speed restrictions can be imposed to trains which may cause delays.
Hot weather can cause significant problems on the railway such as:
- Risk of compression
- Line side fires
- Buckling of track
Network Rail engineers will be monitoring rail temperatures around the network. Services may be altered so that trains can be used to inspect the line and rapid response staff will be deployed across our network ready to act if poor rail conditions are reported. There are no speed restrictions are currently in place.
For more information on how weather can affect the transport network please visit here: www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/delays-explained/buckled-rail/
As the temperature rises across our network here are a few tips to help you keep comfortable in hot weather.
- Carry water with you
- Do not board a train service if you feel unwell
- If you are travelling and feel unwell please get off at the next stop and seek help from our staff
- Avoid pulling the passenger alarm between stations, as help can be more easily obtained with the train in a platform and not standing stationary on a railway line.
For more information and to check your journey, please see southwesternrailway.com
