Tracking rail chaos
Hot weather hits trains
Stirling’s `tropical’ temperatures brought chaos for commuters on Tuesday.
As the mercury reached up to 26 degrees Celsius in parts of Scotland , the sweltering conditions saw thousands of travellers hit by delays and cancellations as train tracks over heated.
Trains between Larbert and Stirling had their speed restricted to20mph because of high track temperatures.
It was one of eleven speed curbs in place across the Central Belt and caused delays to services operating between Edinburgh and Dunblane, with trains terminating at Stirling.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Passengers travelling on to Dunblane from Stirling could still do so using the Glasgow Queen Street – Dunblane service and they were also able to use their rail tickets on Stagecoach buses between Stirling and Dunblane.
“Train services started to return to normal just after 6pm and customers could use their rail tickets on Stagecoach bus services between Stirling and Dunblane.
“Rail temperatures were continued to be monitored throughout the evening and speed restrictions were removed as the temperature dropped and the rail cooled.”
During hot weather, rail temperatures have to be closely monitored to avoid the risk of the expansion and buckling.
If the rail temperature reaches a certain point then speed restrictions are imposed as a precaution.
Generally rail temperature will be identified as critical if it reaches between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius but this is dependent on the line speed and condition of the rail.
Observer reader Dianne Babcock posted on our Facebook page: “Affected by it, no.
“Amused by it, yes. Canadian trains don’t get upset by leaves, rain, snow, or ‘heat’!”
Norah Campbell added: “I couldn’t get a train to either Larbert or Stirling as they were being cancelled from Waverley due to an electrical fault! Not a great day for trains.”
In May this year a part of the pavement on Murray Place in Stirling buckled as a result of heat.
The slabs outside the Subway sandwich shop had to be replaced.