Temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius have brought a major disruption to West Midlands Railway (WMR) services, with trains suspended between Coventry and Leamington Spa due to rail buckling near Leamington Spa. The extreme heat has caused significant delays and cancellations, affecting not just WMR but also Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry services.
The disruption is expected to last until the end of Friday, with routes affected including Chiltern Railways services connecting London, Stourbridge, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Banbury. Additionally, CrossCountry and WMR routes via Nuneaton and Worcester are experiencing changes to their schedules. WMR has explained that it is not uncommon for steel rails to expand and buckle when temperatures reach critical thresholds, necessitating speed restrictions to ensure passenger safety.
Passengers holding tickets for travel can use them until next Tuesday or claim a full refund. WMR has urged passengers to undertake journeys only if absolutely essential, operating a reduced timetable to manage the impact of the heat. This echoes an earlier appeal from Network Rail, which has been extended through Friday due to sustained high temperatures.
Network Rail's Central route director, Denise Wetton, highlighted that while all railway lines remain open, operating fewer trains helps to mitigate the effects of the hot weather and maintain safety for both passengers and staff. She advised travellers to carefully consider their plans and only travel if absolutely necessary, particularly in areas experiencing the highest temperatures. Those who must travel are encouraged to allow extra time, carry water to stay hydrated, and be prepared for potentially busier services.
The railway system's infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme heat, with steel tracks reaching over 50°C at ground level when exposed to a 30°C ambient temperature. This can cause rails to expand, overhead lines to sag, and could lead to infrastructure failure – highlighting the need for preventative measures like reduced speed restrictions.