New measures plannedExtreme summer heat caused track deformations on Luxembourg network: Backes

Claudia Kollwelter
adapted for RTL Today
This summer's high temperatures led to speed restrictions, service interruptions, and increased track deformations across Luxembourg's national rail network.
Heat caused deformations to the rails and problems with air conditioning in the trains this summer.
© Diana Hoffmann

Unusually high temperatures this summer had a significant impact on the Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) and the country's rail infrastructure, causing service interruptions and the introduction of temporary speed limits. On 27 June, a nationwide speed restriction of 80km/h was imposed on all trains due to extreme heat, as a precaution to ensure passenger safety and protect the integrity of the rail network.

Between June and July, more than 51,000 trains operated across Luxembourg. Of these, eight experienced issues with their air conditioning systems due to the high temperatures, according to a response from Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes to a parliamentary question raised by MP Michel Lemaire from the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR).

The CFL have announced plans to further optimise its preparations for extreme weather conditions. Upcoming measures include installing additional temperature sensors on the tracks, introducing new criteria for speed restrictions, and improving the infrastructure's protection against heat-related damage.

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