More than three-quarters of our track is on modern concrete
sleepers, which can help rails withstand very hot weather. But
sometimes, steel rails get so hot they expand and bend or break.
When very hot weather is forecast,
we introduce emergency speed restrictions.
Slower trains mean less pressure on the rail,
which means the rail is less likely to buckle -
keeping you safe by avoiding derailments.
Speed restrictions also help avoid damage from overhead line
equipment that's expanded and sagged.