Two UK rail mainlines close as parts of track hit 62C in extreme heat
A second day of extreme heat has widened disruption on Britain’s railways, with two of the main lines closed and speed restrictions slowing trains around the country.
Record rail track temperatures of 62C were recorded in Suffolk on Monday, with even higher temperatures expected on Tuesday.
The rising temperatures led Network Rail and train operators overnight to intensify advice to avoid trains to a stark “do not travel” warning for services north out of London, with problems such as buckled rails and broken wires expected to multiply during the day.
The east coast mainline was closed entirely between London and Leeds and York, stopping intercity LNER trains and Thameslink services.
The Midland mainline between Derby, Nottingham and London was also closed from lunchtime as it grew hotter – stopping fast services to London Luton airport, which reopened on Monday evening after heat-related defects closed its runway to flights.
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